Not for Publication For Members only

LOK SABHA ___

SYNOPSIS OF DEBATES (Proceedings other than Questions & Answers) ______

Tuesday, February 9, 2021 / Magha 20, 1942 (Saka) ______

STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER Re: An avalanche in Chamoli District of Uttarakhand

THE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI ): On the 7th February, 2021 at around 10.00 AM, a glacier burst occurred in the upper catchment area of river Rishiganga, a tributary of river Alaknanda in district Chamoli of Uttarakhand which led to a sudden rise in the water level of Rishiganga resulting in flood and a small 13.2 MW Hydel power project was washed away. This has also caused damage to the under construction 520 MW Hydel power project of NTPC on Dhauliganga river in Tapovan. Now, the lower areas are not under the threat of flood and the water level is also receding. All the related Central and State Government agencies are keeping a close eye on the situation. So far, 20 people have lost their lives, 6 people are injured and 197 people are missing. Affected villages are being provided relief and necessary medical supplies continuously through helicopters. ITBP has set up its control room and 5 teams of NDRF have reached the site and looking after the relief and rescue operations. Five helicopters of the Air Force have also been pressed into the service. An Army control room has also been set up in Joshimath. District Administration, Police, State Disaster Management Department are also engaged in the relief and rescue operations along with the Central Agencies. Electricity has been restored at all the places after the incident and repair work of 5 totally destroyed bridges has been started. On behalf of the Government, I would like to assure the House that all possible measures for the relief and rescue operations are being taken by the Union Government in coordination with the State Government. The Members then stood in silence for a short while as a mark of respect to the memory of departed. _____

PERSONAL EXPLANATION UNDER RULE 357 THE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI AMIT SHAH): I rise to clarify certain facts. The Leader of the Congress Party while speaking in the House yesterday, said that I, as well as Leaders of my party visit Bengal and that I visited Vishwa Bharti, Shantiniketan and sat in the chair of Guru Rabindranath Tagore. He is a responsible person and I never wished to interrupt his speech yesterday, however, the facts that are not true should not be a part of the record of the House. It is, therefore, my duty to put the relevant facts, through you, before the House and also before the country. I have with me a letter written by the Vice Chancellor of the Vishwa Bharti wherein I had requested him to clarify after analysing the complete footage of the videography and all the photographs as to whether I had sat in the chair of Guru Rabindranath Tagore. He has categorically clarified that no such incident occurred. The place where I have been stated to have sat is a window and there is an arrangement for all to sit in that place. Former President of had sit in that place. Pranab Da had also sat there, Shri Rajiv Gandhi also sat there and I also sat in that place. When the Prime Minister of Bangladesh visited India, she also sat in that place to write her remarks in the message book. Therefore, my limited point is that when we speak in the House, we should double check the facts and should not pick up the unverified points from the social media as it tarnishes the image of this august House. Secondly, there is a well laid down convention in the House that we do not make a mention about the individual who is not present in the House. Still, a mention was made about a leader of my party. I listened to that entire speech and I challenge him to put that on record what he stated about. Both these facts are far from the truth. I, therefore, request you to make necessary corrections in the record of the House and allow me to put the photographs and the letter of the Vice Chancellor of the Shanti Niketan on record of the House. ____

*MATTERS UNDER RULE 377 (1) SHRI ASHOK MAHADEORAO NETE laid a statement regarding development of places of religious importance in Gadchiroli- Chimur Parliamentary Constituency, Maharashtra as tourist destinations. (2) SHRI SUDHAKAR TUKARAM SHRANGARE laid a statement regarding Rail Coach Factory in Latur District, Maharashtra. (3) SHRI RAMCHARAN BOHRA laid a statement regarding expeditious implementation of Smart City project in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

* Laid on the Table as directed by the Chair. (4) SHRI RAKESH SINGH laid a statement regarding release of funds for construction of Post Matric Girls‟ Hostel in Jabalpur Parliamentary Constituency, Madhya Pradesh. (5) SHRI CHUNNILAL SAHU laid a statement regarding need to provide land rights in forests areas to economically weaker people belonging to general and other backward classes. (6) SHRIMATI ANNPURNA DEVI laid a statement regarding construction of National Highways in Kodarma Parliamentary Constituency, Jharkhand. (7) DR. VIRENDRA KUMAR laid a statement regarding need to establish a Medical College in Tikamgarh district, Madhya Pradesh. (8) SHRIMATI SANGEETA KUMARI SINGH DEO laid a statement regarding setting up of a bench of High Court in Western Odisha. (9) SHRI laid a statement regarding framing of a National policy to grant Parja Patta rights for tea and Cinchona gardens across Darjeeling Hills, Terai and Dooars. (10) SHRI laid a statement regarding declaration of Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT) Burla, Sambalpur as Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology. (11) SHRI AJAY MISRA TENI laid a statement regarding redressal of grievances of EPS Pensioners. (12) SHRIMATI RAKSHA NIKHIL KHADSE laid a statement regarding extension of OBC reservation to people belonging to „Leva or Lewa‟ community of Maharashtra. (13) SHRI ARUN SAO laid a statement regarding need to include Chhattisgarhi language in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution. (14) SHRIMATI MALA RAJYA LAXMI SHAH laid a statement regarding need to include Bagur in Chakrata Block, Dehradun under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. (15) SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH laid a statement regarding re- examination of proposed Semi-High speed silver line train project in Kerala. (16) DR. MOHAMMAD JAWED laid a statement regarding release of funds for Aligarh Muslim University Centre, Kishanganj. (17) SHRI KULDEEP RAI SHARMA laid a statement regarding privatization of Electricity department in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. (18) DR. T. R. PAARIVENDHAR laid a statement regarding compulsory NCC training in schools and colleges and entry of transgenders in NCC. (19) SHRI GAUTHAM SIGAMANI PON laid a statement regarding speeding up of the construction of National Highway (NH 79) road connecting Salem and Ulundurpettai. (20) SHRI RAGHU RAMA KRISHNA RAJU laid a statement regarding setting up of the office of KRMB at Vijayawada. (21) SHRIMATI APARUPA PODDAR laid a statement regarding need to announce a scheme for migrant labourers who lost their livelihood during lockdown imposed due to Covid Pandemic. (22) SHRI RAJENDRA DHEDYA GAVIT laid a statement regarding farmer‟s protest. (23) SHRI KAUSHLENDRA KUMAR laid a statement regarding need to include caste census in Census 2021. (24) SHRI MALOOK NAGAR laid a statement regarding need to enhance the procurement price of sugarcane and release the pending dues by sugar mills. (25) SHRI JAYADEV GALLA laid a statement regarding grant of Industry status to Agriculture. (26) SHRI CHANDRA PRAKASH CHOUDHARY laid a statement regarding problems of people displaced due to acquisition of their land by Coal India. ____

MOTION OF THANKS ON THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS – Contd. SHRI : In the year 2014, the Hon. Prime Minister had said that this is a Government dedicated to the poor and therefore, the Government had started Jan Dhan accounts in the country. The Opposition ruled for the 70 years but the poor were not able to enter the banks. In the initial stages of Corona pandemic, there were no PPE kits, no ventilators in the country but this Government enabled the people to fight Corona virus by getting ventilators and PPE kits manufactured just within two months. Rs.500 each were credited to the accounts of poor people during that time to support their livelihood. All should remain happy, all should remain healthy – this is the culture of India. Our hon. Prime Minister considers the entire world as one family. And that is why the Government is sending vaccine to a number of countries in the world and has not kept it only limited for India. Some people have lost their political ground and they are left with nothing. These are the people who are now lamenting in the name of farmers. I would like to ask the Congress party that if they were so concerned about the poor farmers then what happened to the Swaminathan Commission‟s report? What happened to its recommendations? Since the BJP Government came into power under the leadership of hon. Modiji, this legislation has been enacted after accepting 201 recommendations of the same Swaminathan Commission so that the farmers‟ income is doubled. First of all „Fasal Bima Yojana‟ was brought under which farmers were assured of crop insurance on payment of just 2 or 1.5 per cent premium. The MSP of wheat was Rs. 1400 per quintal in 2013-14 which was raised to Rs. 1975 per quintal in 2020-21. Similarly, MSP of paddy was increased to Rs. 1868 from Rs. 1310 per quintal which is an increase of 43 per cent. The Government has set a target of providing 20 lakh solar pumps under the Pradhan Mantri Kusum Yojana in which the farmers have to pay only 10 per cent. The previous Government had procured 3.7 lakh metric tonnes of oil seeds while our Government has procured 56 lakh metric tonnes of oil seeds. SHRI NAMA NAGESWARA RAO: The President's Address contains a complete outline of the work done by the Government. The steps taken by the Government to overcome the Corona crisis have also been mentioned in his Address. The whole world was looking at the country as to what India would do to protect its 130 crore people from the Corona. We have been trying to get out of this problem since last one year. Both the state and the central Governments have worked together to save the people from Corona. Hon. Prime Minister and the Chief Ministers of the States have worked for the welfare of people. We express our gratitude to them. Today, we can proudly raise our heads with pride all over the world and say that made in India vaccine has become a reality now. This made in India vaccine has been manufactured in Hyderabad. So, it is a matter of great pride for our Telangana also. I would also like to say that we should provide this vaccine free of cost to the poor people. Hob‟ble President has also mentioned about the farmers in his Address. There are 80 per cent small and marginal farmers in our country. The Pradhan Mantri Samman Nidhi Yojana has been implemented to provide assistance to all of them. I would also like to say that the farmers should also be provided with electricity 24 hours a day. Thus, villages should be developed as Adarsh grams. Similarly, free drinking water scheme is a very good scheme. At the sametime, I would also like to say that the Women's Reservation Bill should be brought for the welfare of women. Moreover, a scheme should also be brought for the welfare of the poor girls across the country. At the same time, I request that the demand for setting up of Tribal University, steel plant, IIM, ISAR, regional ring-road, railway projects, new airports, Navodya Vidyalayas in Telangana should also be met at the earliest. DR. : Today, the corona virus has impacted the entire world, including India. However, the number of deaths in our country is much lower than other countries. I would like to congratulate the new vaccine-making people of our country. We should try to vaccinate more and more people so as to save them from this deadly diseases. The damage caused by the Corona virus and the lockdown also needs to be compensated by the Government. Especially in my state, the tourismsector, industry, shopkeepers have suffered a lot. We are also facing the problem of dilapidated condition of national highways in our area. Similarly, the airport is also in the same condition. There is a need to make arrangement for CAT-2 here. Also, the practice of increasing the air fare exorbitantly by the air lines should be stopped. Similarly, the Government should bring in a law so that the horse-trading of public representatives by the parties can stop. At the same time, I would also like to say that the Government should negotiate with the farmers and solve the problem. We should not make it a question of prestige. We are sitting here to find a solution, we are not sitting here to create difficulties for anybody. We have to collectively build our nation. Therefore, everyone must be taken together and there is a need to understand the pain of all. By taking everyone together, we can show the whole world that ours is a pioneer nation. SHRI RAJENDRA DHEDYA GAVIT: I would like to thank the hon. President on behalf of my party for the Address delivered by him. All of us will be inspired by the image of New India presented by the hon. President. India has never stopped in spite of the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic and the initiatives taken by the Government to contain its spread, to develop its vaccine and to save the lives of the people are very important. Keeping in view the Farm Bill, the Government should make special provisions to safeguard the interest of fishermen and to strengthen their occupation at the earliest. Lakhs of people have been kept deprived of their basic livelihood needs for decades in Maharashtra. Most of them belong to backward classes. The has made amendment in three farm laws. Due to the amendments made recently in these Bills, several farmers organizations are staging protest on roads. They are afraid of earning less income than earlier. They have certain basic questions relating to Mandis, contract farming and over stocking. The answers of the said question may clear the way forward. SHRI RAJU BISTA: Our government has succeeded in saving the lives of crores of people under the visionary leadership and efficacy of our Prime Minister. Presently, we are capable of manufacturing PPE kit, N-95 mask and ventilators and all other essential items. Today, India has emerged as a big hope for the world in case of vaccine manufacturing and its supply. Despite Covid, our country registered a 13% increase in FDI sector in the year 2020. Our government has done many commendable works for the welfare of the poor during Corona period. Government medical facilities are in a very pitiable condition in the whole of Bengal particularly North Bengal. Therefore, I would like to request the Union Government to construct an AIIMS hospital or a hospital on the lines of AIIMS in my constituency. Darjeeling and Kalimpong district hospitals should also be upgraded to medical colleges. A permanent political solution should be provided to the long pending demand of the people of Darjeeling hills, Tarai and Doaars region for a state of Gorkhaland. DR. BHARATIBEN D. SHYAL: The hon. President in his Address has enumerated the achievements of the Government especially the situation during the Corona period as well as regarding self reliance. When the whole world was fighting against Corona pandemic, the situation in India has been normal as compared to other countries due to the farsightedness of Prime Minister Shri . Through Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, 5 kg of additional food grains has been given for free to 80 crores people for 8 months with the facility of one nation-one ration card. The Government has conducted Garib Kalyan Rozgar Abhiyaan in six States to give employment to the migrants in their native villages who have returned from cities due to Corona. Citizens are getting benefit through Jan-Aushadhi centers. Hon. Prime Minister has sanctioned 22 AIIMS under health care scheme. The number of medical colleges has been increased from 387 to 562 during the last 6 years and our Government is continuously working to provide health services. The Government has taken the decision to give one and a half times M.S.P to the farmers. The Government is committed towards the security, self-reliance and equal participation of women and the economic package amount was directly deposited in the Jan-Dhan accounts of women. The Government has carried out developmental work in each sector be it road, education, security of women and welfare of the farmers. SHRI DEVAJI PATEL: Sir, I rise to support the motion of thanks on hon'ble President's Address. The year 2020 was full of challenges for the entire world including India. On the one hand there was Corona crisis and earthquake, attack of locusts, bird flu, tension along Chinese border on the other. But the way government dealt with them is commendable. During lockdown workers have to face the problem of livelihood. But our government provided free foodgrains to them for a period of 8 months. Several vaccines have been developed in the country at a very low cost to check corona virus. Our government announced biggest ever economic package to bring economy on the track. I am pained to see that certain farmers unions are carrying out agitation. Our government has launched various schemes for the farmers like soil health card, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna, National Agricultural Market, e-NAM and particularly Kisan Samman Scheme under which Rs. 6000/- per year is provided to the farmers. Direct rail service from Jalore to Delhi or Jaipur is not available for the people of this area even about ten years after broad-gauge conversion. Keeping in view the problems of the citizens of this area there is a need to start a train from Gandhidham to Delhi via Jalore (Samdari Bhildi). Sirohi district of my Parlimentary Constituency is still not connected with rail network. Sirohi district centre be connected with rail network through Marwad Bagra and Pindwara route. There is a need to connect Sirohi district Centre with Marwad, Bagra Pindwara to Udaipur with rail line. About seven lakh people from Jalore Sirohi live in various cities of South India. But these migrants have to face many difficulties as there is no direct rail service. So Jalore to Palanpur, Bangaluru to Jodhpur via Samdari Bhildi, Coimbatore to Jodhpur via Samdari Bhildi, Hyderabad to Jodhpur via Samdari Bhildi, and Chennai to Jodhpur via Samdari Bhildi be connected with direct train services. Rohit-Aroh-Jalore-Bhimnal-Karda-Sanchore road be constructed at the earliest. There is a need to declare Jherda to Siroha road (via- Revdar and by pass at Mandar) as National Highway and construct it. There is a need to set up a medical college at Jalore district centre. Under Udaan Scheme there is a need to start air service from Manpur air strip located at Sirohi. There is a need to connect both the districts Jalore and Sirohi with Atal Bhujal Yojna. SHRIMATI QUEEN OJA: During the time of Corona virus pandemic, we alongwith our countrymen have lost some of our hon‟ble Members of Parliament and Legislators as well as our dear ones. While the doctors, their assisting staff and Police have performed their duty with full devotion in saving our lives, our brave soldiers have also fought well against the enemy country on border. There has been a mention of „Adarsh Gram‟ in the President‟s Address. And I am also trying to implement each and every scheme of the Government in „Adarsh Gram‟ adopted by me in my Parliamentary Constituency. Today, India is moving forward in the direction of bringing the country‟s economy at 5 trillion. Today, our foreign exchange reserves have reached 450 billion dollars. Today, around 121 crore people of our country have been issued „Aadhar Card‟ and around 38 crore people have been able to open their accounts in the banks. Around Rs. 3.5 Lakh crores have been recovered from Banks and Financial Institutions through Insolvency and Bankruptcy Law. More than 5.5 crore new entrepreneurs have taken loan and loan of around Rs. 10 lakh crores and more has been already sanctioned under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana. GST collection has exceeded 1 lakh crore during the month of November. India ranked 142 in World Bank‟s „Ease of Doing Business” ranking in 2014 and now it has reached to 63rd position. India is currently the third largest start up ecosystem in the world. Today, five big industrial corridors are being developed in the country which will boost the economy as well as generate more employment opportunities. India has become the second largest mobile manufacturing hub in the world. The farmers are now getting Rs. 6000/- per year under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi and around Rs. 43,000/- crores have already been given to eight crore farmers under this Nidhi. Today, MSP for Rabi and Kharif crops is regularly being increased. 400 new Krishi mandis have been integrated with electronic Rashtriya Agribazaar (e-NAM). More than 27,000/- health and wellness centres have been opened under „Ayushman Bharat Yojana: Around 1 crore 4 lakh poor people have been treated free of cost under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana launched by our Government. More than 6000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras have been opened. Our Government has provided the free of cost immunization facility to 3 crore 6 lakh children and 91 lakh pregnant women so far under the . After the formation of our Government in 2014, the states of and North East have developed at a fast pace. Dr. Bhupen Hazarika ji was honoured with the highest civilian award „Bharat Ratna‟. Our Government has sanctioned Rs. 4108.24 crores since 2014-2015 till date for construction of National Highways in Assam. The modernization and upgradation work of Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport and Rupsi Airport of Kokrajhar, respectively were taken up. Around 1100 kms rural roads have been constructed so far. The Foundation Stone for All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has been laid at Changsari in Gauhati. India has been able to forge relationships with Eastern Asian Countries through „Act East‟ policy. It is a big achievement of Government of India as well as State Government of Assam to force Bodo Militant outfit NDFB to surrender and bring on table for peace talks. Rs. 40,000/- crores have already been invested on basic infrastructure for Gas and Oil Projects in Assam. Around 35 lakh women have been provided „gas connections under Ujjwala Yojana. About 2.5 lakh families have been provided safe and adequate drinking water under „Jal Jeevan Mission‟ during the last one and a half years. SHRI SUDHAKAR TUKARAM SHRANGARE:The year 2020 has been a challenge for the whole world, including India, where there was a global epidemic like corona on one hand while on the other hand, challenges like floods, earthquakes, locust team attacks, bird flu, unprecedented tension with China on the border were also faced by the country. Our government did not only face these challenges but also helped many countries all over the world to overcome these challenges and is now even supplying corona vaccines. Recent appreciation by World Health Organization and Secretary General, UNO of the efforts made by India is the proof of this success. Our Government, at the same time, took steps to revive the economy. Biggest ever financial package of the time was announced wherein the welfare of all sections of society was taken care of. Although the continuation of the agitation by certain farmer unions is causing a lot of anguish. I would like to say that our Government has taken several steps for the welfare of farmers during the last six years such as soil health card, Pradhan MantriFasalBimaYojana, Pradhan MantriKrishiSinchaiYojana, National Agriculture Market-E name, National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, Rural Storage Scheme, and especially the PradhanMantriKisanSammanYojanaunder which financial assistance to the tune of rupees 6000 is being provided to the farmers.Our Government is committed to implement all recommendations of Swami Nathan Commission. My constituency, Latur is facing extreme drought situation for the last several decades and due to which not only drinking water crisis is prevailing there but water for irrigation purpose is also not available. I request the Government to ensure provision of drinking water supply in urban and rural areas under „HarGharNalYojna‟ programme of the Rashtriya Jal Jeevan Mission‟. For the economic development of the area, Government has decided to set-up a coach factory here recently. I request the Government to supply raw materials in Latur Coach Factory from local sources as much as possible so that anciliary industries come up there and people of this area are given preference while giving jobs in this factory. Immediate steps should be taken to conserve and revive the Manjari River. There are many places in Latur district which are important from tourism and pilgrimage point of view. In order to ensure availability of national level tourism facilities and infrastructural development, Latur city should be brought under AMRUT scheme of the central government and included in the list of backward and "Aspirational Districts" selected by the Government. Survey work for laying of new railway line from Latur Road to Gulbarga has been completed. Further necessary action for acquisition of land and laying of line should be taken now. Budgetory provision should also be made for requisite funds and the line should be extended up to Bodhan. SHRIMATI RITI PATHAK: In these times of worldwide Coronavirus pandemic, it was extremely important that all of us unitedly fight against this menace and get rid of it ,and under the leadership of Modi ji and with the cooperation of each and every citizen of the country ,today we are in a situation to beat this deadly pandemic. Under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, 5Kg additional food grains per month were provided free of cost to 80 crore people for eight months. The migrant workers were provided One Nation One Ration Cards (ONORC) along with free food grains and Shramik Special Trains were run for facilitating them.14 crore cooking gas connections were provided to the beneficiaries under Ujjawala Yojana during this pandemic. This Government has taken several historical decisions such as providing free treatment through a health cover upto 5lakh rupees under Ayushman Yojana, making medicines available at extremely affordable rates to the people under Janaushadhi Yojna and sanctioning 22 AIIMS under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana .In his address ,the Hon. President has stressed on Atam Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan which is a revolutionary step towards empowering the nation. Under this Abhiyan, the Government has made all efforts right from providing seeds to making markets accessible to the framers during the last six years. Now, a comprehensive improvement is being seen in the available irrigation facilities. Under Per Drop More Crop scheme, the Government is not only completing old irrigation projects but also making modern irrigation technologies available to the farmers. Today, there is a record availability of food grains in the country. So far, 1 lakh and 13 thousand crore rupees have been transferred to the accounts of the farmers under PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme. Besides, Fasal Bima Yojana has also proved to be extremely beneficial for the farmers. 10,000 Farmers Produce Organizations have been set up for facilitating the small farmers, which is an effective step under the Atam Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. The Government is paying special attention to modern ago infrastructure with a view to make farming more profitable. For this purpose, an infrastructure fund worth one lakh crore rupees has been instituted. Today, a large number of self- employment opportunities are being provided to women. Today, Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) has facilitated creation of 66 Self Help Groups covering more than 7 crore women entrepreneurs in the country. Keeping in view the health care of working women in rural areas, the Government has started a scheme called „Suvidha‟ to provide sanitary napkins at the cost of Rs. 1 to the women. The Government has also ensured that pregnant women get free health check-ups and there is a Rashtriya Poshan Abhiyan for their overall health. SHRIMATI SUMALATHA AMBAREESH: In his Address Hon. President regretted violence and disrespect to tricolor on the Republic Day saying right to freedom of expression goes hand in hand with the constitutional duty to follow the rule of law. I fully endorse this statement of him. As we all are very much aware that the impact of COVID-19 pandemic is unimaginable, under such circumstances, the hon. President has shown the right directions to the progress of the country and put spotlight on India‟s self-confidence. Through the President‟s Address the Union Government sent a significant message to the people of the country by mentioning that it would respect the Supreme Court‟s decision to suspend three farm reform laws and claimed that the laws have given new rights to the farmers. In his Address, the hon. President talked about the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana. 80 crore people were provided an additional five Kg. free food grains per month for eight months. The implementation of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana is to ensure a pucca roof for every poor person by 2022. The Garib Kalyan Rozgar Abhiyan aims to provide employment to the returnee migrant labourers in their villages. There are other achievements like encouraging street vendors and hawkers under SVANidhi scheme, providing financial support to poor women to the tune of Rs. 31,000 crore which was directly transferred to the Jan Dhan accounts, distribution of more than 14 crore gas cylinders to poor women beneficiaries free of cost under the Ujjwala scheme. Regarding the development of the rural infrastructure, there is a need for more and more roads and bridges in the villages. If we want to achieve the aim of self-reliant Adarsh Gram as dreamt by pujya Bapu Ji, this should be our priority. There is a mention about the Suvidha Scheme under which sanitary napkins are made available at a nominal cost of Rs. 1. Under the National Education Policy for the first time, students have been given the freedom to opt for the subjects of their choice under the policy. The Government should accord priority to save the Indian languages by teaching to students at the primary level. SHRI GAUTHAM SIGAMANI PON: The issues raised by the President are of vital importance, but the claims of the Government about able handling of the above is thoroughly unsustainable. On the economic front, the bungling was much severe. The economic growth has fallen to -23.5 per cent and the recovery needs imaginative and sincere effort on the part of the Government. But the Government's attitude is nowhere near such effort. It is true that India is a global leader in vaccination manufacture. Another important aspect of the Presidential Address is the tall claim about the proposal of open several medical colleges all over the country. At most times, these announcements remain on paper alone and the case of AIIMS Institute in Madurai is a great example. Madurai has become a laughing stock now in Tamil Nadu. The policy of conducting NEET examination is spoiling the chances of poor and needy backward classes and Scheduled Cast and Tribe people. It is known that this Government is against social justice and wants to erase the reservation/affirmative action program. Few million farmers from various States are in peaceful protest for several months now, which has drawn the attention of the world. Several rounds of talks have failed to bring about any resolution. The farm laws are in no way going to benefit the farmers. The haste and impropriety shown by the Government has raised a genuine doubt in everybody's mind and the best way out is to repeal the unwarranted farm law. SHRI DULAL CHANDRA GOSWAMI: I would like to support the address of the Hon. President. India bravely faced the dangerous and fatal disease like corona virus in the year 2020. Corona Virus is a global pandemic. It has affected almost all the major countries across the world. Free food grains were made available for 80 crore people under the Pradhan Mantri Gharib Kalyan Yojana. Slogan of 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas aur Sab ka Vishwas' was fully implemented during the corona period. Government had opened the Jan Dhan Accounts of people earlier and people received its benefits when the Govt. Infused money in their accounts during the Corona period. Now, vaccine has been developed to tackle the pandemic and all the people are being vaccinated free of cost. Besides, we are also supplying the vaccine to our friend countries. The work being done by the Narendra Bhai Modi government during the last six years is itself historic. 175 medical colleges were opened in 6 years in which 50000 seats were increased. In addition to this we have achieved expected success in the works related to national highways and railway lines during the last six years. SHRI : In India the practice of the President addressing Parliament after the Constitution came into force in 1950. The President was required to address each session of Parliament and this continued during the Provisional Parliament in 1950. The First Amendment to the Constitution in 1951 changed the position and made President‟s address once a year. The policy of the Government is pronounced in the President‟s address. This year Hon‟ble President broadly spoke on economy and finance, health and Covid-19, Agriculture and Food Distribution, Manufacturing and job creation. It is a point to note that 38 crore poor persons have been able to open Bank accounts and implementation as 450 schemes has been linked to Direct Benefit Transfers to prevent leakages. Thereby Rs. 1.8 lakh crore have been saved through the use of Jan Dhan Accounts, Aadhaar and Mobile. Since 2014, more than 13 lakh crore rupees has been transferred to bank accounts of beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), between April and August 2020, foreign direct investment of 36 billion dollars been made in India and India‟s ranking in the Ease of Doing Business Index has improved. We have managed the pandemic by developing a network of 2200 Labs, and manufacturing thousands of ventilators, PPE kits, and test kits domestically. India is also conducting the world‟s largest COVID-19 vaccination programme. The Union Government, during the stringent lockdown saved lives and controlled infections. The protests around the world against widening inequality and rising authoritarianism are being witnessed. Nonviolent protest movements don‟t alienate anyone. They keep the windows of opportunity open to conversion. This should be the way of ongoing farmers‟ agitation. There has been a tendency of the Union to expand he Concurrent List, at the cost of States' exclusive, legitimate powers. The division of functions enshrined under Seventh Schedule of Constitution has got increasingly eroded over a period of time with the shifting of the subjects like forest and education from the State to the Concurrent List by the 42nd Amendment of the Constitution. The Constitution provides strong separation of power between judiciary and the legislature and the judiciary and the executive. The Constitution grants the judiciary the power to review executive action. The President‟s address is one of the most Solemn occasions in the Parliamentary Calendar. The event is associated with the ceremony and protocol. It has remained so since 1950 and has developed into a custom. SHRI D.M. KATHIR ANAND: I would like to bring to your kind notice that the Railway Gate (LC-81) connecting the Old Town and New Town is a big hurdle for the public in Vaniyambadi, in Vellore District of Tamil Nadu. The total population of Vaniyambadi metropolitcan region is 1,17,019 approximately. It is one of the hubs of leather exports in Tamil Nadu. Leather tannery is a major industry in the town. Vaniyambadi plays a major role in the field of leather industries which contributes several billion dollars to support the country‟s GDP. I would like to draw the attention to the long pending demand of a flyover bridge which needs to be constructed at Vaniyambadi. Vaniyambadi has 200 plus tanneries, many shoe and leather garment manufacturers, thousands of zari workers and a centre of trade, commerce and business. This Railway Crossing (LC-81) is the only access point for those entering the town from the national highway. It needs to be constructed at the earliest. SHRI RAMCHARAN BOHRA: Our country is a developing country. We have limited health care facilities in comparison to the developed countries. But despite this we judiciously dealt with this pandemic and emerged victorious. Today India has gifted corona vaccine to its neighbours and other countries free of cost. Developed countries like Brazil has expressed its faith in the corona vaccine developed in India instead of vaccine developed by Pfizer and Moderana. This pandemic disrupted the economy of the world and our country. Lakhs of people were rendered jobless. Hon‟ble Prime Minister showed his acumen. Record economic package was announced to take care of the economy. Free ration was distributed among small workers for 8 months. China betrayed us but our armed forces gave them a befitting reply. State of the art defence equipments have been provided to our Armies. The emphasis of our government is on . Several steps have been taken in this regard. We are heading towards export in defence sector. Implementing the recommendations of the Swaminanthan Committee the government has decided to provide MSP equal to one and half times of the cost. In the year 2013-14, micro irrigation facility was available for 42 lakh hectare of land but at present 56 lakh hectare additional land is brought under micro irrigation. The production of food grain was 234 million tonne in the country in 2008-09 but it increased to 296 million tonne in the year 2019-20. Production of vegetable and fruits increased from 217 million tonne to 320 million tonne during the same period. A special SVANidhi Scheme has been launced for street vendors. Our government has carried out various reforms in the field of education. Out of the total farmers in the country 80 per cent are small farmers and their number is more than 10 crore. More than one lakh thirteen crore rupees have been transferred into the bank accounts of such farmers under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi. 10 thousand Farmer Producer Organisations have been set up. The Parliament has passed three agricultural law 7 months ago. More than 10 crore small farmers have started getting the benefits of these farm reforms. So far more than 100 Kisan trains have been launched through which farmers have sent more than 38 thousand food grains and fruits and vegetables. The Government has set up Animal Husbandary Infrastructure Development Fund of Rs. 15 thousand crore. Farmers have been provided 20 lakh solar pumps under Pradhan Mantri Kusum Yojana. The Government has connected more than 3 crore households with piped water supply under Jal Jivan Mission. Under MUDRA Scheme loans to the tune of more than Rs. 25 crore have been disbursed out of which 70 per cent loans have been provided to the women entrepreneurs. Today more than 7 crore women entrepreneurs are associated with 66 lakh self-help groups in the country under National Rural Livelihood Mission. Under National Education Policy students are allowed to study as per their interest. Today more than 3 crore 20 lakh students are getting the benefits of scholarship. The expansion of Eklavya Residential Model School is being carried out. More than 550 schools have been sanctioned. Digitization of health care services has been started through National Digital Health Mission. SHRI K. NAVASKANI: The President's Address just like every other measure of this Government is nothing more than an elaborate gimmick. Not even once acknowledging the ongoing protests, the Government claims extensive consultations were held before passing such laws in Parliament. The entire speech has only one mention of minorities- in regard to the multiple scholarship schemes for students from minority communities. For the Scheme for Leadership Development of Minority Women, the actual expenditure until December 2019 was less than 5% of the budget estimate. The worsening condition of minorities across the nation does not find any mention even once in the speech. While in the speech, the lines of Tagore and Raichaudhuri are quoted, the ideology that the ruling party follows is completely against the spirit and ethos of these great poets. India is looking at its worst economic crisis ever. Growth of GDP has been negative in first two quarters. Government's fiscal deficit is rising. Unemployment is at alarming levels. MPLAD funds are being cut. None of these points were mentioned anywhere in the President's address. In the middle of all this economic disaster, instead of putting money in the hands of the people, what is the urgent need to spend thousands of crores of rupees on such cosmetic measures like building a new Parliament, bullet train project etc.? This Government is killing the very spirit of democratic deliberations and the founding ideals of our Parliamentary democracy. The entire speech is completely silent about the future of minorities. It is silent on the cruelty in crushing the CAA protests and now the farmers protests. SHRI P. C. GADDIGOUDAR: I would like to express my gratitude for giving me this opportunity to submit my views on the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address. Under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM- KISAN) around 6500 projects like mega food parks, cold chain infrastructure, agro-processing clusters have been approved. In addition to this, Rs. 10,000 crores have also been approved for micro food processing industries. Under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Rs. 90,000 crore has been paid as compensation to insured farmers in the last five years. The Government has managed the pandemic by developing a network of 2,200 labs, and manufacturing thousands of ventilators, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits. India is also conducting the world's largest COVID-19 vaccination programme. Under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, 1.5 crore poor people have received free treatment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan was launched in six States and 50 crore man-days of employment was provided to returnee migrant labourers in their villages. In defence sector, India is increasing its share in the exports of defence equipment. Several advanced weapons including quick reaction missiles, tanks, and indigenous rifles are being manufactured in India. SHRI GOPAL SHETTY: The hon. President has mentioned the tireless efforts made by the Government to fight Corona pandemic in his Address in detail. Our country has not only controlled the pandemic very fast, but also provided medicines for prevention of this pandemic to many countries of the world. This has become possible under the effective leadership of our hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji. We should thank our doctors, nurses, police and other healthcare workers and front line corona warriors, who are rendering selfless services to the country without thinking about their lives. Our scientists and researchers have worked day and night and developed Covid vaccine just within ten months after lock down which is an achievement for the country. In 2014, there were only 387 medical colleges in the country, but today, there are 562 medical colleges in the country. The Government has sanctioned 22 new AIIMS under 'Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana'. Our target of 'Aatmnirbhar Bharat' will be further strengthened by Aatmanirbhar Krishi. More than 1 lakh 13 thousand crore rupees have been directly transferred to the accounts of small and marginal farmers under 'PM Kisan Samman Nidhi'. The small farmers of the country have also benefited under 'Pradhan Mantri fasal Bima Yojana'. It has been mentioned in the Address that the Government is continuously making efforts to clear confusion over farm laws. Through these farm reforms, the Government has provided new facilities and rights to the farmers. The Kisan Rail launched across the country is a mobile cold storage. The Government has also set up Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund worth Rs. 15 thousand crore to set up infrastructure and to promote investment in the dairy sector. Work is also underway to increase the income of fishermen under 'Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana'. Construction of 6 lakh 42 thousand kilometer stretch of road has been completed in the rural areas of the country under 'Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.' Providing internet connectivity in the villages is also very important alongwith the construction of roads. Today, more than 7 crore women entrepreneurs in the country are connected with about 66 lakh Self Help Groups under 'Deendayal Antyoday Yojana' National Rural Livelihood Mission. About 700 divyang-friendly websites have been developed. Similarly, transgenders have been provided better facilities and equal opportunities and Development and Welfare Board has been set up for denotified, nomadic and semi-nomadic communities. It is a happy coincidence that moving towards 75th anniversary of independence, the construction work of new Parliament building has been started in the country. The people of Jammu & Kashmir have been empowered after getting new rights. More than 21 crore poor people have been covered under 'Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana' at a premium of one rupee per month. About 9 crore 50 lakh people have been coverd under 'Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana' at a premium of 90 paise per day. Ration card has been completely disitalized. More than 8 crore free gas connections have been provided under Ujjwala Yojana. More than 10 crore toilets have been constructed under ''. Pradhan Mantri Yogi Maan-Dhan Yojana has been implemented to provide pension to the poor people such as domestic helps, drivers, cobblers, people engaged in cloth pres service and farm workers. Jan Dhan accounts of more than 41 crore poor people have been opened. I wholeheartedly support the President's Address and extend my gratitude towards him. SHRI AJAY MISRA TENI: Supporting the motion for thanks I want to say that the government performed very well by keeping the development and basic programmes continue even during corona crisis. The nation is further strengthened with the emergence of Atmanirbhar Bharat under the leadership of hon'ble Prime Minister. SUSHRI SUNITA DUGGAL: I would like to say that when we first entered this House in 2019, our Finance Minister used the words 'Nari Tu Narayani' in her Budget speech. It was a very encouraging moment for all the 78 women MPs in the . I want to say that our government has considered women's power and expressed its concerns about women. It is the vision of the hon. Prime Minister that has resulted today in the construction of 10 crore toilets for our daughters. Our Government has provided 14 crore free gas connections to women enabling them to stave off the diseases caused by smokes emanating from the traditional stoves. Similarly, funds have directly been transferred to 31 thousand Jan Dhan accounts of our mothers. Moreover, our Government has taken a number of concrete and effective measures for the empowerment of women. You have already seen how our country has taken a stride towards self reliance. With acquiring the capability to manufacture vaccine first for Covid-19 we are not only vaccinating the citizens of our country but also are in a position to export the vaccine to about 100 countries. At the same time, self-reliance does not have any meaning without bringing agriculture into its ambit. We have also seen how our farmer brothers have made a record production of food grains to feed all the countrymen. Hon. Chief Minister of Haryana rolled out the scheme namely "Mera Pani, Meri Virasat" under which some clusters or zones were identified where the cultivation of paddy could not be undertaken. Initially, the farmers opposed this scheme but subsequently they agreed when they were made to understand. Now-a-days, the terrorist activities have come down to 50 per cent in Kashmir. A Central University is being set up in and the entire Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh have been placed on a new growth trajectory. SHRI ASHOK MAHADEORAO NETE: I sincerely support hon. President's address. It is reflected by the President's address that the Central Government is taking the country on a new path of rapid economic development in accordance with its promise of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'. The poor, downtrodden, exploited, deprived, farmers, workers and youths of the country are at the center of this inclusive economic development of the Government. In the central leadership, the honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi shows the determination of continuous progress of the country. I welcome the statement of hon. President that decisions taken under the leadership of our hon. Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, saved the lives of millions of our countrymen, as a result of which, there is a rapid decline in the number of new cases of coronavirus and at the same time there is a significant increase in the number of recoveries. The Central Government also took care to ensure that no poor person went hungry.. The Central Government also launched the 'Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan' in six states in order to provide employment to the returnee migrant labourers in their villages, during the pandemic. An amount of Rs 31,000 crore was directly transferred to the Jan Dhan accounts of poor women. During this period, more than 14 crore gas cylinders were given free of cost throughout the country to poor women beneficiaries, under the Ujjwala scheme. It is a matter of pride that today India is running the world's largest vaccination campaign. The entire credit for this goes to the government under the central leadership of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The poor are now able to avail the benefits of healthcare facilities with ease. Today there are 562 medical colleges in the country and in the last 6 years, there has been an increase of over 50,000 seats at the under-graduate and postgraduate levels in medical education. Now, widespread improvements are being brought in various sources of irrigation for agriculture. The food grain availability in the country is at a record high. The Parliament approved 3 important farm reform bills 7 months ago, namely, The Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill. The benefits of these farm reforms, have started reaching more than 10 crore small farmers instantly. The Central Government is constantly trying to remove the confusion created in the context of these laws. The central government has always respected freedom of expression and holding of peaceful agitations in a democratic set up. The recent acts of dishonouring the National Flag and showing disrespect to the auspicious occasion of the Republic Day are unfortunate. In order to enhance the profitability of agriculture, the Central Government is also placing emphasis on creating modern agricultural infrastructure. The Central Government has been working relentlessly for multi-faceted development of villages. Under the SVAMITVA scheme, villagers are now acquiring legal rights over their property. Under the 'Jal Jeevan Mission‟ water connection is being provided on priority to brothers and sisters belonging to the Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes as well as other deprived sections of the society. The Government has made commendable progress in expanding the network of rural roads. Several steps have been taken to enhance the role of MSMEs in the mission aimed at developing an Atmanirbhar Bharat. Keeping in mind the health concerns of working women in rural areas of the country, the Government is implementing the „Suvidha‟ scheme under which sanitary napkins are made available at a nominal cost of Re 1. Keeping in mind the global requirements and challenges of the 21st century, the Government has announced the National Education Policy. I also welcome the statement of hon. President where he said that following the mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas‟, the Government is prioritizing the development of all sectors and all sections of the society. It is a happy coincidence that the construction of a new Parliament House has commenced as we are approaching the 75th year of our independence. I welcome the statement of His Excellency the President where he said that the country has also started emerging from the economic setback suffered in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic when the focus was primarily on saving the life of each Indian citizen. I welcome the statement of His Excellency the President where he said that the development oriented policy of the Government has also received wholehearted support from the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Construction of a grand Ram Mandir has commenced after the Supreme Court judgment. India has moved up from 65 to 34 in the World Tourism Index ranking. All these works done under the central leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi are welcome steps. More than 21 crore poor were linked to „Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana‟ for a premium of just Rs. 1 a month. More than 3.5 crore children were vaccinated under „Mission Indradhanush‟. 100 per cent digitisation of ration cards has been completed. More than 8 crore gas connections were given free of cost under „Ujjwala Yojana‟. More than 10 crore toilets were built under „Swachh Bharat Mission‟. More than 41 crore Jan Dhan accounts were opened for the poor. In this way, hon. President has not only cited the work done by the Government for the all- round development of the country during the last few years, but also mentioned the priorities of the Central Government and the steps being taken by the Government in its second term to steer out the country from global epidemic crisis of Covid-19 and the steps taken in the meantime which clearly shows a sense of self-image of our popular government. SHRI S.R. PARTHIBAN: Hon'ble President in his Address mentioned about how our country faced every crisis with fortitude, be it the corona virus pandemic, floods and major cyclones in several states. Lakhs of farmers are protesting in Delhi border demanding withdrawal of three farm reform Bills for more than two months. This Government is taking steps to disinvest many public sector undertakings, including the Salem Steel Plant. The Central Government should not privatize the profit-making Salem Steel Plant. Tamil Nadu is a major defence manufacturing State in the country. I request the Central Government to allocate necessary funds for the implementation of the „Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor‟ project immediately. Salem has been selected under smart city plan. But the quality of road and building works which were done was not good. I request you to re-examine the works which have already been completed. Cauvery river is the lifeblood of four States, including Tamil Nadu. The Cauvery river provides drinking water and irrigation to 16 districts of Tamil Nadu, including Thanjavur. But now the Cauvery river, the lifeblood of Tamil Nadu, is one of the most polluted rivers in India. I request the Central Government to come forward to clean Cauvery like Namami Gange project. In Salem constituency and other four constituencies, Dharmapuri, Thiruvannamalai, Krishnagiri and Kanchipuram of Tamil Nadu, farmers and the general public are protesting against Chennai-Salem eight lane highway project. I request the Central Government to abandon the Salem-Chennai eight-lane project and request to expand the existing roads and railway lines. I kindly request you to provide again the MPLADS Fund in order to provide basic amenities in villages. I request you to establish an AIIMS in my Salem constituency also. Our hon. Prime Minister laid the foundation stone on 27th January, 2019 for the Tamil Nadu AIIMS hospital. But after two years, no work has been started yet. I request you to allot necessary funds for the Tamil Nadu AIIMS and to expedite the construction work. The handloom industry is one of the most ancient cottage industries in Salem district of Tamil Nadu. I request the Central Government to establish a new Textile Park at Salem. SHRI RAKESH SINGH: The Presidential Address embodies the spirit of " Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhay" of the Government and the Modi Government has been continuously working for the welfare of villages, poor, farmers and the common people of this country during the last 6 years. Last year, the world faced a major problem and challenge in the form of Corona pandemic. It was challenging for all of us to take measures against Corona due to the large population, diversity of cultural traditions as well as the natural and geographical challenges of India. However, through strong leadership and quick action taken in India, we have been able to control the virus outbreak to an extent greater than many rich and developed countries of the world. India was not hugely affected despite the economic recession happened caused by the Corona pandemic. Through the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, financial assistance has been given to crores of mothers and sisters and divyang brothers and sisters in the country. Last year, three agricultural laws have been passed with a majority in both the houses of the Parliament with an amendment to uplift the farmers and to make them self-reliant under the leadership of hon. Modi ji. It is a commendable step of the Government to implement almost all the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission made for agricultural reforms. In addition to providing " Har Ghar Jal" under "Jal Jeevan Mission", water conservation is also being done . During the last 6 years, the Government has built 6 lakh 42 thousand km roads under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and achieved a big goal to connect rural India by the major roads of the country. The Government is also continuously working to provide better internet and connectivity in the rural parts of the country. The Government supports the small entrepreneurs of the country with commitment to develop micro and small industries. The power to make India self-reliant is in the hands of these small industries. The Government has sanctioned National Education Policy-2020. The Government has linked more than 21 crores of poor people with Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana. I support the hon. President's Address. DR. ALOK KUMAR SUMAN: Today country is witnessing all round development in all sectors. 80 crore people have been provided 5 kg food grain for 8 months free of cost under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana. It is a commendable initiative. Hon. Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar has launched Jal Jivan Hariyali Abhiyan for maintaining environmental balance. I urge upon the Government of India to implement Jal Jivan Hariyali Abhiyan along with Jal Jivan Mission. is moving ahead on the path of development with the implementation of various schemes for the welfare of women, students and senior citizens. The concept of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas is being materialized through Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. SHRI AKHILESH YADAV: We have been living together harmoniously for centuries and it has become the identity of our India. If somebody tries to disturb this harmony, he is certainly doing this for gaining political mileage. So far as the farming and farmers are concerned, MSP has been confined only to speeches but has not been implemented at the grass root level. This is not being given to farmers. If it had been given to the farmers, they would not have been here to besiege Delhi. I would like to ask the Government if the farmers of Uttar Pradesh have been given the MSP? If the laws enacted by the Government are not acceptable to the farmers, why does the Government not withdraw these laws? After all, who is preventing the Government from withdrawing these laws? In view of these situations, it seems that they have not been chosen as public representatives but as the representatives of the affluent. Today, the modernisation of the Mandis and the development of infrastructure for this purpose are being debated, but I would like to ask the Government why the mandis have not been set up at Gazipur, Azamgarh and Sultanpur? DR. HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT: I rise to thank the hon. President for addressing the joint sitting of the Parliament. During last year, we have faced the rise of coronavirus pandemic. The timely lockdown decision taken by the Government has proved to be a boon. Under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, 80 crore people were provided an additional 5 kg free food grains per month for 8 months. The Government launched Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan for returnee migrant labourers and also, SVANidhi, a special scheme for street vendors and hawkers and a sum of Rs. 31,000 crore was directly transferred to Jan Dhan Accounts of women. The Government has brought Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which has today benefitted 1.5 crore poor people. Through all these efforts, the Government has set an example collective strength of federal structure. The Government is working on making our country 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. Under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, a sum of Rs. 1,13,000 crore has been transferred to the bank accounts of farmers. SHRI UNMESH BHAIYYASAHEB PATIL: The hon. President has given the details of the shape and direction of the country through his Address. Today, India is moving towards the path of development even during the time of recession after the Corona period. During the last 6 years, the Government has tried to bring positive changes in every process in agriculture sector from seed to market so as to modernize and expand this sector in the country. Today, the Government is not only making record quantity of procurement on MSP but is also increasing the number of procurement centers. Following the mantra of 'Per Drop More Crop', the Government is making the modern methods of irrigation available to the farmers along with the completion of previous irrigation projects. Today, the availability of food grains in the country is at a record level. Today, the production of vegetables and fruits has increased from 215 million ton to 320 million ton. It is commendable that more than 9 crores of toilets have been built across the country. Crores of people including women have benefited from schemes like (a) Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (b) Ujjwala Yojana (c) Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana. The dream of 'One Nation One Tax" has been fulfilled through the implementation of GST. Today, the whole world is praising the space program of India and ISRO. 'PSB Loans in 59 Minutes' will promote economic empowerment and self employment. Under Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, emphasis has been laid on providing insurance on accidental death and minor physical problems by paying a small amount. SHRI SUKHBIR SINGH JAUNAPURIA: This Government has been giving priority to the development of each sector and category of the country under their main motto of “Sabka saath, Sabka vikas, Sabka vishwas”. So far, the Government has given away loans worth more than Rs. 25 crores under the Mudra Yojana and almost 70 percent of these loans were given to female entrepreneurs. The Government is working on the ambitious plan of Jal Jeevan Mission also and till date 3 crore families have been provided with piped water supply under this campaign. Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, 6 lakh 42 thousand kilometers of road has been constructed in rural areas of the country. The Government has given a new lifeline to the farmers by bringing the Agriculture laws and it has also stressed upon making the farmers independent by the year 2022. More than 100 Kissan Rail have been run in the country with the help of which more than 38 thousand tons of food grain, fruits and vegetables have been transported by the farmers. The Government is paying special attention towards creating modern agriculture infrastructure to make agriculture a profitable business. Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund worth Rs. 15,000 crore was set up to promote basic dairy infrastructure and investment in the dairy sector. The works undertaken by the Government in the health sector during the last six years greatly helped the country in the times of prevailing Corona pandemic. Today, people are being benefited under Ayushman Bharat Yojana in more than 24 thousand hospitals across the country. People of Jammu and Kashmir have got new rights after the abrogation of Article 370, and this has brought happiness in their lives. Citizenship Amendment Act was passed by the Parliament. India has also greatly improved its ranking in the World Tourism Index. Ninety percent of Ration cards have been linked with Aadhar cards. This Government has run many schemes like Ujjwala Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, Jan-Dhan Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan Yojana, etc. in the country.

SHRIMATI APARUPA PODDAR: I support the peaceful protests of the farmers against three farm laws. If the Government thinks that the farmers‟ protest has tarnished the image of the country, let me tell you that the mighty Government is only responsible for it. Hon. Prime Minister, Shri Modi himself said that India is the mother of democracy. The Government should have taken democratic steps to address the protest. In the case of ports and airports, this Government is compromising the national security. SHRI : When the highly developed nations of the world were reeling under the Corona Pandemic and were unable to find out a cure for this disease despite having robust medical infrastructure in place, our hon. Prime Minister succeeded in maintaining the lowest mortality rate despite being the second most populated country of the world. He has made untiring efforts to make the dream of a new and self-reliant India true and has taken the welfare schemes to the last person of the society in the entire country. At the same time, he has laid emphasis on the growth rate and has accorded priority to North Eastern region, especially to Assam. Hon. Prime Minister has carried out significant developmental work by revering the entire Northeast as Asht Lakshmi. An AIIMS has been set up in Guwahati. Within a brief regime of seven months, the BJP-led Government has set up as many as 12 medical colleges in Assam. Assam has received financial allocation of Rs.1.69 lakh crore by the 15th Finance Commission viz-a-viz a meagre allocation of mere Rs.94000 crore by the 14th Finance Commission. An amount of Rs.1000 crore has been made available for those engaged in the tea plantation in Assam and Bengal. Under the ablest leadership of hon. Prime Minister efforts are underway to enable the last man in the queue to join the mainstream of development. We have signed BTR Peace Agreement to shed the baggage of Assam being characterized with turbulence, terrorism and the peace of emergency across Bodoland. Talks are on with the NSCN to take the process of permanent peace coupled with constant growth process to the next level. The electrification of railways is being undertaken in the Assam region. The vision of empowering the citizens of the country through a volley of schemes from Ujjwala Yojana to Atma Nirbhar Bharat is gaining currency through the length and breadth of the country. The Government is committed to building a strong, resilient, robust new India. SHRIMATI SHARDA ANIL PATEL: I am thankful to the Hon. President for boosting our morale. His Address was mainly focused on effective implementation of Government‟s policies in these pandemic times. I hail from Gujarat. Inspired by the economic package of the Central Government, the Chief Minister of my state has also disbursed a loan of Rs. One lakh to the people who lost their jobs during pandemic. The new industrial policies of the State are also based on the concept of Vocal for Local and a new tourism policy has been announced with a view to revive the industries which got affected during lockdown. I thank the Hon. Prime Minister for connecting Kevadia to the eight important cities in India. I also appreciate the efforts of the Government to make the country self-reliant in the production of PPE kit and N-95 masks and to start the world‟s largest Vaccination drive. I am proud of the efforts made by the Government to keep a check on terrorist‟s activities and restore peace in Kashmir. The people of Kashmir have participated on a large scale in local body elections held there recently. I would like to thank our Government which has been working relentlessly to face the challenges posed during 2020. *SHRIMATI PRENEET KAUR: I am pained to note that this Government has tried to create an anti-farmer feeling in the entire country. Farmers are protesting to get their just and genuine demands accepted. I am agonised to note that the protesting farmers are being maligned and dubbed terrorists and Khalistanis. Why does the Government seem so afraid? They are using barbed wires, cement barricades, nails, etc. against the protesting farmers at the Delhi borders. The farmer only wants to save his land and his means of livelihood. Their future is not safe and secure. The need of the hour is that the Government

* Original in Punjabi must accept the just and genuine demands of protesting farmers. The three black agriculture laws must be taken back. SHRI S. JAGATHRAKSHAKAN: I would like to begin by honouring our medical fraternity, scientists, nurses, para-medical staff and the frontline workers for fighting this latest struggle in the history of mankind and for injecting hope and self-belief among masses. The only sector that performed well during Covid-19 was agriculture. Around 60 per cent of the population of our country is involved in agriculture. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) finds that in rich countries producers support ranges between 40 to 60 per cent of the gross farming receipt but in India this support is negative i.e. minus 5 per cent. While MSP is fixed for 22 crops, it is used only for a few crops. According to the Government‟s own data, almost 70 per cent of the market transactions for 10 select crops in 600 wholesale markets were at prices lower than MSP. Among 108 countries, India ranked 94 in Global Hunger Index. Around 40 per cent of our population is not getting enough food. So, achieving zero hunger by the year 2030 is far from reality. According to the NCRB data, there has been significant increase in the incidence of farmers‟ suicide in the year 2019. Nearly, 43 per cent small scale industries have been closed down during Covid-19 pandemic and the remaining once are laying on the verge of closure. We have no data of the MSMEs closed down in the period of 2014-15 to 2019-20. I humbly request the Government to revive the sick industries by providing them adequate financial assistance. The Government has miserably failed to keep its promises of providing pension to the farmers, agricultural labourers, labourers in the unorganized sector and small traders. In the year 2019, the Prime Minister had promised to set up an AIIMS in Madurai district but the building has not come up there yet and only the foundation stone lies there. The role of PSUs in economy post-Independence is beyond words but the future of many PSUs remains very doubtful under this Government. Last but not the least, I urge the Government of India to take necessary steps to release all the convicts who have served more than 20 years. PROF. RITA BAHUGUNA JOSHI: It is a matter of immense regrets that when the entire world has been full of praise for our Prime Minister, Health Minister, frontline warriors and scientists the opposition is still busy in misleading the nation. We are going to achieve the objective of universal health very soon. The Government has set up 175 medical colleges during the last six years. Because of the Jan Aushadi Kendras, the medical expenses have been brought to the minimum level. The Government has declared 112 districts of Uttar Pradesh as aspirational districts and a number of facilities like pure drinking water, sanitation, toilets, medical colleges, ICUs etc. are being developed in those districts. The maternal mortality rate has come down because of the maternal security scheme. The Government has introduced „One Nation, One Market‟ Scheme for the farmers and an alternative arrangement is being introduced to facilitate the sale of their produce alongwith the existing APMCs. The Government is in the process of implementing the Swaminathan Commission report. The steps for development are being taken without any discrimination on the basis of religion, caste or class. The number of women self-help groups has increased and so has the number of women joining those groups. SHRI TALARI RANGAIAH: The Government provided 80 crore people with additional 5 kg. free food grains per month for eight months. It launched several schemes like Svanidhi for street vendors and hawkers, the Garib Kalyan Rozgar Abhiyan. Programmes like Ayushman Bharath, PMB Jana Aushadhi Yojana met the challenges in pandemic times. The three important farm laws need necessary amendments. I am thankful to the Prime Minister for sanctioning the Kisan Rail. To fulfill the dreams of Baba Saheb Ambedkar, allocations to Jal Jeevan Mission need to be enhanced. Schemes like Suvidha Scheme, Rashtriya Poshana Abhiyaan, Atal Bhujal Yojana Scheme are welcome. Opening of 400 Ekalavya Model Residential Schools for Divyangjans are really appreciable. Safety of women must be given priority. My state Andhra Pradesh should be provided a special category status. SHRI ARUN KUMAR SAGAR: I wholeheartedly support the Motion of Thanks on President‟s Address. I agree that our unity and dedication has enabled us to face multiple adversities like Corona virus pandemic, floods, earthquakes, cyclone, etc. The decisions taken by the Government has saved the lives of lakhs of our countrymen. Our Government has started Graib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan to provide employment to the returnee migrant labourers in their village during pandemic and Swnidhi Yojana for street vendors. In the Agriculture Sector also, following the mantra of „Par Drop More Crop‟ the Government is improving the irrigation facilities and it is commendable that today the food grain availability in the country is at a record high. The continuous efforts of the Government to turn the Anndata into Urjadata are commendable and the benefits of three important farm reforms bills have started reaching to small farmers instantly. The Government is also committed to supply water to every household under Jal Jivan Mission. Also the four Labour Codes formulated by the Government will ensure the welfare of labourers. Our Government‟s development oriented policy has received wholehearted support from the people of Jammu & Kashmir also. Recently the local body elections have been conducted there successfully. Once again I am thankful to the Hon. President for appreciating the efforts made by the Government. SHRI ASHOK KUMAR RAWAT: Following the mantra of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas‟" Government is leading the country on the path of rapid economic development. Decisions taken through democratic process will be accepted by all the countrymen. The abrogation of article 370 and 35-A is not only a historic step, but also paved the way for the development of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Now, these are the parts of the mainstream. The elections to more than 300 Block Development Councils were held successfully for the first time after Independence. The government has started Jal Jeevan Mission and Rs 3.60 lakh crore will be spent on this scheme in coming days. The government is going to spend Rs. 25 Lakh crore to strengthen the rural economy. The constant increase in MSP of Ravi and Kharif crops is a step towards this direction. The procurement of pulses and oilseeds has increased record 20 times with the efforts of the government. The Kartarpur corridor was constructed in record time and was dedicated to country at the occasion of Guru Nanak Dev Ji anniversary. The government will also celebrate „Guru Tegh Bahadur's 400th Prakash Parv‟ with great reverence. The government has laid emphasis on every development scehme of 112 Aspirational Districts. The government is increasing connectivity, strengthening the infrastructure and by making the lives of individuals easier in North-East. All this is being done at an unprecedented pace in North East. The government is working with utmost sensitivity to fulfill the expectations and aspirations of the Divyanjans. A database of Divyang people is being prepared and more than 25 Lakh special E-identicards have been given to them. Both the House of parliament passed the Citizenship Amendment Act and acceded the demand of our national leaders and political parties. The government is pursuing the holistic approach in the area of public health. Swachh Bharat Mission, Jal Jeevan mission, Poshan Abhiyan, Fit India Movement and Ayushman etc. are contributing for the betterment of public health. More than 600 one stop centres have been set up for increasing the sense of security in women. More than 1000 Special Fast track courts will also be set up across the country. The government will also celebrate the 250th anniversary of Raja Ram Mohan Rai, a great society reformer in 2022 with great fervor and zeal. Cluster based plantation agriculture as well as organic farming is being promoted. The government will spend Rs. 13 thousand crore under National Animal Disease Control programme for control of Foot & Mouth Disease. More 5.5 crore farmers are getting the benefit of crop insurance cover by paying a minimum premium and the claims of Rs. 57 thousand crore under the scheme have been settled. The work to connect 400 additional Mandies with e-NAM is in progress. This platform has recorded a trade volume of 90 thousand crore. More than 6.60 crore women have joined the Self-Help Group movement being promoted by the government for increasing women entrepreneurship. The government's priority is to prepare youth for leadership. In the last 5 years, 4 times more patents have been granted in the country while trademark registration has increased by 5 times. The government has introduced Swayam -2 to strengthen the online education system. PROF. SOUGATA RAY: The TMC party has moved 22 to 31 amendments on the President‟s Address. I support the farmers‟ movement. In the face of stiff opposition from the farming community, the Government should take these laws back for the time being and implement them later on after thorough discussion. The State of West Bengal has suffered losses to the tune of Rupees one lakh crore because of the Amphan cyclone and the Covid but the Central Government is not giving us any fund. SHRI KESINENI SRINIVAS: The year 2020 has been a very tough year for all of us. I would like to appreciate the efforts of our hon. Prime Minister, and the Government for managing the crisis excellently. It is indeed a matter of immense pride to see the efforts of Bharat Biotech for coming out with a made-in-India vaccine. Now I would like to talk about a burning national issue, the farmers' issue. Thousands of farmers all over the country are expressing their resentment on three farm laws over the last few months. Confusing stance on the MSP, the APMC mandis and the dispute resolution mechanism have added to the grievances of the farmers. On behalf of my party I would like to request the Government to address these issues and engage with the protesting farmers in a constructive manner immediately. Now, I would like to mention a burning issue in our State of Andhra Pradesh. The recent decision of the Union Cabinet to privatise Visakhapatnam Steel Plant has invited sharp opposition from the people and also from all the political parties across the State. Visakha Steel Plant, which is giving employment to nearly 20,000 people directly and many thousands indirectly, was set up with an investment of Rs. 5,000 crore initially. I request the hon. Prime Minister and the Finance Minister, through you, that the Government of India should rollback the decision as there is no rationale in privatising Visakha Steel Plant which is the pride of Andhra Pradesh. SHRI RAJENDRA AGRAWAL: For almost last six and half years, the Government has been continuously working for the upliftment of poor, farmers, dalits, victims, exploited and deprived people along with the safety and empowerment of women. This Government has launched many schemes like Jan-Dhan Yojana, Ujjawal Yojana, Har Ghar Shauchalya Yojana, Ayushman Bharat Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and Jan- Aushadhi Yojana, as a result of which the last deprived person in terms of development has got much relief. The development oriented politics of Modi ji has forced the parties involved in vote bank politics, casteism secular and divisive politics, to talk about development today. The Government has been taking continuous steps since the year 2014 to double the income of farmers by the year 2022. The farmers have been directly benefited through the Jan- Dhan Yojana. Pisciculture, animal husbandry, Beekeeping etc. have been promoted by the Government. Each year Rs. 6000 crores are being transferred to the account of farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana, which has directly helped more than 11,500 crore farmers. The Government is always ready to make any amendments to the Agriculture laws but to ask for repealing of the Agriculture laws enacted by the Parliament in the interest of the farmers, is actually a contempt of the Supreme Panchayat, i.e, Parliament of the country. Special attention has been paid towards development of deprived North-Eastern region by constructing thousands of kilometers of long highways, rail network and many new airports. New universities are being opened in places like Manipur and Ladakh. During the global Pandemic of Corona, 80 crore people were given additional 5 kg. of foodgrain free of cost for a period of 8 months under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana. An economic package was announced to help the country‟s economy. India is running world‟s largest vaccination programme by using two vaccines developed in the country itself. India is gradually moving towards self-reliance in various sectors including defence production. This Government has provided a sensitive, public welfare oriented and corruption free governance to the nation. The opposition must also contribute towards this major campaign of nation building. DR. NISHIKANT DUBEY: The Congress Party has presented history by distorting facts. They have mentioned about the session of Hindu Mahasabha held in Bhagalpur. Meeting of Veer Savakar's Hindu Mahasabha was held in the year 1941 and the Government of Bihar had not granted permission. I have brought a copy of full resolution here. They have said in that resolution about the policy of Congress Party that their policy is to divide the country. Yesterday leader of opposition has mentioned about the Government of India Act. He even not left the hon. President. Congress Party had opposed the Government of India Act of the year 1919. After the opposition of Congress Party, Rowlatt Act enacted. One of the Member of TMC had made a major allegation about Article 121. I would like to say that one should not produce any distorted facts. SHRI S. C. UDASI: The MSP has been increased to, at least, 1.5 times of the cost of production. Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme, Rs. 1.13 lakh crore has been transferred to the accounts of small and marginal farmers. India managed the pandemic by developing a network of 2,200 labs, and by manufacturing thousands of ventilators, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits, and test kits domestically. Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan is also a campaign aimed at elevating the standard of living of every Indian as well as boosting the self-confidence of the country. The goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat will be further strengthened by self- reliance in agriculture. In the last six years, India‟s renewable energy capacity has grown two and a half times. Today, almost one-fourth of the total energy production in the country is coming from renewable energy sources. India has registered a record improvement in the Ease of Doing Business ranking. The country has moved up from 65 to 34 in the World Tourism Index. Many new laws have been passed and more than 1500 archaic and irrelevant laws have been repealed. The scope of the vaccination programme has been increased by including more diseases. More than 3.5 crore children were vaccinated under Mission Indradhanush. The Government has completed 100 per cent digitization of ration cards and 90 per cent ration cards have been linked to Aadhar. The hon. Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Ji is a visionary who is aiming to change the country for the next generation. Thus, India is going to be a Shreshta Bharat in the coming generation. SHRI RAHUL KASWAN: In his address, His Excellency the President informed the people of India about the public welfare schemes of the Government of India.Today, India has become the largest producer of PPE kits and masks all over the world. Even today in the case of ventilators, the country has become completely self-reliant. Today, India is producing two indigenous vaccines.The Government of India provided free food grains and pulses to the people through the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana. This government wants to double the income of the country's farmers and provide houses to every citizen of the country.The government wants to supply water to every household in the country under the Jal Jeevan Mission. In the Corona period, the government also gave economic relief package to the industries. DR. SUBHASH RAMRAO BHAMRE: I thank the Hon. President for his speech to both the Houses of Parliament. Agriculture and MSME sectors are the two main pillars of our economy. In this testing time of Covid -19, the prime Minister had supported both the sectors. Eight crore farmers were given 2000 rupees in their bank accounts by the Government. A package was also given to MSMEs to sustain during lockdown period. I also congratulate the Prime Minister and scientists of India for the Made in India vaccine. We are proud that our Government is providing vaccine to the whole world. DR. KALANIDHI VEERASWAMY: There is no mention of the frontline workers like doctors, nurses, paramedical and allied workers, who worked tirelessly and valiantly in the face of risk of death during the pandemic. The families of these warriors, who lost their lives, are still waiting for the financial assistance from the Union and the State Governments. I hope the recognition due to them is duly accorded. The Government should take serious note of the plight of the Tamils caused by the Sri Lankan Government. There are repeated attacks on fishermen and four fishermen were brutally murdered by the Sri Lankan Coastguard. The Government should be more concerned towards our fishermen and take remedial measures to ensure safety of their lives and property. The Government should ensure that the lives of migrant workers are safeguarded through its National Disaster Relief Force and planners in future. I would request the Government to be more sympathetic towards farmers and repeal these agriculture laws. The Government should put in enough efforts to the safety, development and wellbeing of Women and Children. To protect children the POCSO Act, should be amended adequately. As regards minority and tribal affairs, the Government should address the issues regarding their promotion and upliftment. A corporate company is trying to expand its port business in my constituency in an illegal and unconstitutional manner. I hope the Government ensures that this nefarious design is stopped in the interest of justice and welfare of our present and future generations. SHRI LAVU SRIKRISHNA DEVARAYALU: We are now manufacturing but earlier we were importing expensive ventilators. Today, India's vaccine manufacturing capacity is a global asset. We were the quickest to reach three million vaccination mark. Made in India vaccines are being shipped globally from Bhutan to Brazil. Even my State of Andhra Pradesh has done exceedingly well in these difficult times. The State of Andhra Pradesh has been ranked the best State in terms of ease of doing business. The YSR Congress Party has repeatedly raised the demand for a Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh. Polavaram irrigation project is the lifeline of Andhra Pradesh. We have repeatedly asked for the clearance of revised cost estimate of Rs. 55,000 crore. I request the Union Government to release these grants immediately. Andhra Pradesh is a revenue deficit State but energy surplus State. President in his Address has mentioned about Adarsh Gram. This is the vision of Mahatma Gandhi. Andhra Pradesh wants to achieve this dream through free and fair panchayat elections. KUNWAR DANISH ALI: The President's Address reflects the Government's policies. China is settling habitations in our territory along the borders but the Government is not showing any interest in tackling the problem, rather it is focused on suppressing the farmers' agitation. There have been certain comments by the foreigners on the farmers' agitation. However, our party has a clear cut opinion that there is no room for foreign interference in our internal matters. There are some indications that the persons close to the ruling party were involved in the vandalism at the Red Fort on the 26th January. Some locals were involved in stone pelting on the group of persons who had gone for collecting money in Madhya Pradesh. The administration got their houses razed with bulldozers the very next day. Crime and oppression has also increased in other parts of the country. Allocation for education has been cut down in the budget. The Government is hell bent upon ruining the education, the constitution, reservation and the public sector undertakings. The poor are not getting justice. SHRIMATI HARSIMRAT KAUR BADAL: Our scriptures attach huge importance to the farmers. The farmers of Punjab are staging a peaceful agitation at the borders of Delhi for the last 70-75 days braving bad weather, but the Government is not listening to them. There is no mention in the President's Address of the farmers who have scarified their lives in this agitation. The farmers have apprehension that the MSP will be abolished. Earlier, the Government had assured that all the farmers' apprehensions would be addressed but it is not listening to them now. Rather, the Government is now calling them Khalistanis. Everybody is hurt with the violence that took place on 26th January. However, that is the case of intelligence failure as well. In the end, I would say that legal force should be given to the MSPs and these black laws should be repealed and the false cases filed against the protestors should be withdrawn. SHRI HANUMAN BENIWAL: I pay my tribute to the people died due to the glacier burst in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Several people are still missing there. Secondly millions of people have died due to Corona pandemic. Winter Session of Lok Sabha could not be convened due to Corona pandemic. This time, inspite of Corona pandemic, all parties have certainly given a good message. The farmers' movement has been going on for last 90 days. It is the largest peaceful movement and it has become a mass movement. This movement is not restricted to just six states, it is the movement of the whole country. I demand that all three black agricultural laws should be repealed. I demand that the Government should accept all the main demands of the farmers and implement the entire report of the Swaminathan Commission. My main demand from the Government is that there should be a law guaranteeing the minimum support price for agriculture produce. The farmers of the country also want this and the Government should talk to these farmers. The jawans of CRPF, ITBP, BSF, etc. protect our borders as well as fight against terrorism, separatism and Naxalism. They also maintain law and order and help in conducting elections in the country. But the irony is that inspite of all this, these jawans of para-military forces are not given due importance. Jawans of these para-military forces who joined service after 2004, neither get pension, nor promotion and any other benefit of social security schemes for ex-servicemen. SHRIMATI MEENAKASHI LEKHI : The whole world is gripped and facing the problems of Coronavirus that spread from Wuhan but the House is not discussing that matter. The House is discussing the protest by farmers in India who were committing suicides till last year and to avert that, these laws have been brought but the Opposition is playing with the lives. Within one year, two riots have taken place. The symbols and the messages are very clear that the anarchist and rogue forces are trying to create a civil war in this country. Every country has laws on migration but when the CAA was brought in, it was opposed by some elements in this country. The riots that took place are identical to what happened on 26th January, 2021 but the world is still discussing the farmers‟ protest in India. This is a stealth war, an international conspiracy that is going on and the Opposition are falling prey to it. There are powers which are trying to devastate India. They have tried traditional methods of terrorism and got defeated in conventional wars. This is a new form of warfare wherein disinformation campaigns, are panic situations are created; and maximum global attention is sought; to cripple India from within through anarchy. They had planned global action, global sanctions against the country. Some powers inimical to India are trying to tarnish India‟s image. The countries and people who are beneficiaries of capitalism, challenge capitalism in another country because capitalism has helped those countries prosper. They are demeaning and demonizing our heroes. It is not good to vilify our own leaders, corporate and heroes. A Molotov Cocktail of Khalistanis which includes PFI and ISI is going on. SHRIMATI PRATIMA MONDAL: Claims of the Government are absolutely different from ground reality. The hon. President mentioned how unfortunate the incident was on the 72nd Republic Day of India but did not mention as to what led the farmers of the nation to the warpath. Protests were revolving around the legislation of citizenship and farming laws. The Government should be rightful and reasonable. Farmers are sitting on dharna because these farm laws have soft corner for corporates and provide opportunities to the corporates to rob the farmers of their livelihoods. The laws have violated the principles of democracy. The laws were created without consulting the farmers, without forming a proper committee and keeping the States at bay. As per the Hunger Index for 2020, India stands at 94th position out of 107 countries being much behind Bangladesh, Nepal and even Pakistan. The Government must strike down the farm laws immediately and work in the direction of eradicating hunger from the nation and that is impossible without supporting the farmers. In a situation where the country is suffering and people are looking up towards the Government with hope, the Government is constructing a new Parliament with the aim of providing “adhik suvidha” to the law-makers. We want those crores of money to be utilised for the people of India. DR. M. K. VISHNU PRASAD: I humbly pay my gratitude towards the medical professionals, health workers, police personnel, revenue officials and all those who bravely and sincerely fought and still fighting Corona pandemic in India. While the Government is proudly claiming about the developments in various sectors, I like to focus on the unleashing of price of petrol and diesel. The sky rocketing fuel prices are worrying the people of India due to which prices of all the commodities and service sector prices are soaring high like poison. Moreover, the rate of selling of public sector is bothering our future. It was our Congress Government which built this nation brick by brick and this Government is selling it for its survival. The Government has lost focus in generation of revenue in progressive and less taxing manner. The farmers issue has drawn global attention but failed to attract the attention of the Government. The President‟s Address has not mentioned anything about funds for Tindivanam- Thiruvannamalai rail project, Arani Silk Park, Polur Agricultural University (Central Government) and Gingee Fort as a tourism centre. I humbly request the Central Government to include all these projects for implementation this year itself. SHRI K. SUBBARAYAN: I want to give suggestions to improve the functioning of the Government. A new building for Parliament is being constructed. This is not an unavoidable national urgency. The need of the hour is to create and provide technical support which can facilitate the Members of Parliament to raise issues and express their views concerning the people in all the 22 Official languages as mentioned in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Power sharing is another important issue. The local bodies are just provided only their duties and not the rights. A suitable Commission should be set up to ensure power sharing or decentralization starting from States to the local bodies. Efficient persons who can ensure decentralization should only become part of this Commission. In Tamil Nadu several raids were conducted. This House should know about the details of such raids. The New Educational Policy, is being used to suppress the students belonging to the Backward, Most Backward and Scheduled Castes of the country by the dominating upper castes. Fifteen laws have been repealed. As many as 29 laws have been amalgamated into four Labour Codes. This is against the labourers which should be withdrawn. Similarly three farm laws are anti-farmer. This Government is anti-people, anti- democratic, anti-national. SHRI E.T. MOHAMMED BASHEER : The President‟s Address was just reproduction of ongoing programmes which is available on the website of various Ministries so in that sense, this is totally disappointing. You have turned down the history of the nation. Hate speeches are there, human right‟s violations are there, atrocities against minorities and downtrodden section are also happening as an endless story in this country. The most used word in the Presidential Speech and the Budget Speech is `Aatmanirbhar Bharat and self-reliance‟ but policies of Congress Government put strong foundation for self-reliance. They encouraged exports, and dependability on other countries was reduced. But now the dependability on multinationals and FDI is increasing. As regards agriculture, this is the first time we are witnessing in the history that a nation is declaring a war against the citizens of their own country. The final victory will be that of peasants and the people in the agricultural sector. As regards the Census 2021, the Government should count the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category in the Census 2021 to pave the way for giving social justice to them. I would like to mention another important point that hundreds of Indians, especially Keralites are stranded in Dubai. They were on their way back from their workplace in different countries, but the visa-related laws changed. I would humbly request the Government to intervene in the matter there. Another point that I would like to mention at the end is about the Government‟s cruel play against the CAA agitators. They are doing some kind of victimisation against them as charges are made one after another. This kind of zero-tolerance should not be allowed in a democracy. A journalist from Kerala was going to the agitation site at Hathras and he was booked. The Government should desist from this kind of thing and to ensure justice. We must preserve communal harmony. The minorities are experiencing heinous acts. They are unnecessarily hunted. Instead of praising this kind of attitude, they must oppose this kind of attitude. SHRI DEVENDRA SINGH 'BHOLE': With the important decisions of the Government and the hard work of the health workers, the country has been empowered to fight the Pandemic like COVID. The Government has come up with many ambitious schemes for agriculture and farmers' welfare. The results of which are clearly visible. There is a need to get rid of the problems being faced by the farmers in the area of Kanpur Dehat, Agra to Allahabad. The Government is committed to the development of infrastructure in the agricultural sector. Therefore, the maintenance and expansion of the already established mechanisms for the development of the agricultural sector should be done in a timely and quality manner and the functioning of the mechanism established for marketing agricultural produce of the farmers is maximized. Government has given more importance to health, society Ayushman-Bharat, women and children, security of citizens in ten points programme. Through the Ayushman-Bharat scheme, about 1.5 crore poor have been provided free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh through more than 24 thousand hospitals and cheaper medicines are being provided through more than 7000 Indian Jan Aushadhi Centers. Lala Lajpat Rai Hospital in Kanpur should be provided medical facilities by upgrading it to the level of AIIMS so that the residents of dozens of districts of central Uttar Pradesh and Bundelkhand are benefitted. Administrative hurdles should be removed in the setting of the proposed Speech and Hearing Center in Surar village of Kanpur Dehat. The actual implementation of various schemes like Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, Soil Health Card Scheme will lead to a real rejuvenation of all villages. Due to Pradhan Mantri Karmayogi Maandhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, retail traders and small shopkeepers are getting pension benefits and the structure of industrial management has been strengthened. Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan has been launched by integrating several schemes including village electrification, cleanliness, expansion of digital literacy with an integrated vision. Ambitious efforts in animal husbandry, horticulture and milk production as well as honey production have been started with adequate financing. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya's Antyodaya Concept has been given as a slogan here that the poorest residents have the first right to the resources of the country and this thinking has given wide support to the concept of 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas and Sabka Vishwas'. For the first time in the budget, the country has been assured of being safe and secure in the true sense by implementing all- inclusive schemes of insurance and pension. Special measures have been proposed to treat cancer and kidney diseases. Measures have been taken for skill development, job creation and infrastructure development to eradicate the poverty. Despite the severe financial crisis all over the world, the Indian economy has kept its base strong, which has created immense trust and hope for India all over the world. The Government has given special importance to decentralization of development activities and making it inclusive. The economic, industrial and commercial activities of Kanpur, formerly called Manchester, also need to be given new energy and strength so that this mythical city situated on the banks of the Ganges can maintain its dignity and prosperity. There is a need to set up industrial units in the Yamuna belt of Kanpur countryside after leveling of all the land. The Government of India is on the path of becoming a leader in job creation and economic progress at the national level by improving rail services. As a result of the changes in the railways, it has achieved significant progress in speed, cleanliness, efficiency and resource mobilization. With this, in the metro rail project in 27 cities, the work of bringing the progress of the metro rail project of more than 1000 kilometers has been done. If the panki is connected by laying the line from Mandhana in Kanpur, the route of goods trains and other trains can be diverted so that the movement of trains in this area can be facilitated. Systems and infrastructure have started to collapse due to increasing population pressure on most cities and metros of the country including Delhi due migration from rural areas. To tackle this situation, to bring development in the village in the true sense, we have to make agriculture profitable and there is still much work to be done to bridge the rural-urban digital gap as it will open up the avenues of employment and independence in the rural areas.

SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI: China is expanding its infrastructure and increasing its troop deployment at Indo-China border but the Government has not built any infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh. I would like to know from the Government the preparedness of its troops if China attacks India again after melting of snow. Protesting farmers are being treated as if they are Chinese troops. I would like to know from the Government the reasons for atrocities against farmers. The Government have to withdraw these three Farm Bills. The Farm Bills have been dubbed as black because they are against Federalism. The verdict of Supreme Court in demolition of Babri Masjid Case was that nobody had demolished masjid. The Court also stated that it is a criminal act. Why the Government not appealed against the judgement? As far as foreign policy is concerned, when China attacked India, no neighbouring countries raised their voice against China. Sri Lanka is not allowing India to build terminal port. Nepal says that its relations with India will not be normalized unless India vacates its land. The Government restores internet service in Kashmir following a tweet by an American representative. As regards law and order situation in Delhi concerned, three major riots took place there within one year. Several people were killed and more than 20 mosques were damaged in these riots, whether the Government is not accountable to it? I would like to draw the attention of the Government towards aspirational districts. Katihar, Purnea and Araria districts in Seemanchal region are Muslim dominated backward districts. As to what are the reasons for not starting the constriction of civil terminal at Purnea Airport. There are three scholarship schemes for minorities. The Government believes in „Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Vishwas‟ but allocation for the said schemes has been reduced from 400 crores to 30 crores. A number of students have not been covered under minority scholarship scheme. SHRI THOMAS CHAZHIKADAN: I appreciate the initiatives taken by the Government to develop indigenous vaccines, ventilators, PPE kits, etc., to fight COVID-19 pandemic and for providing corona vaccine to other countries. However, Government should provide it free of cost to all the Indian citizens. Three farm laws were enacted last year but no consultation was held with the stakeholders before enacting these three legislations which affect millions of farmers. Kerala is producing 90 per cent of the natural rubber in the country. Rubber producers in Kerala are not getting adequate price for their produce vis- à-vis the cost of production. I urge upon the Government to fix the minimum price of natural rubber at Rs. 200 per kilogram. The misuse of laws such as UAPA, NSA, etc., are used to suppress the voice of genuine human rights activists, such as the arrest of tribal rights activist Jesuit priest Father Stan Swamy. I request the hon. Home Minister to intervene and release this old priest who has spend his life for the upliftment of the Adivasis. SUSHRI S. JOTHIMANI: BJP-led Government constantly targeted against those who voice their opinions that are not in favour of the Government. India dropped by 17 spots to 111th position in human freedom index and has fallen by 6 spots in corruption perception index. Under the BJP Government, a lot of deceptive promises are made to the farmers of my country. Government claimed to give Rs. 1 lakh crore amount to farmers under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi but over 1.5 crore beneficiaries face late payments. Similar delay exists in Prime Minister Fasal Bima Yojana. NCRB report suggests that crimes against women increased by 7.3 per cent from 2018-19. But Government seems to be talking pride in progress of fast-track courts, one stop centres and emergency response support systems. Poor implementation of Jan Dhan Yojana and Ujjwala scheme has failed to empower women. The number of women beneficiaries under MUDRA are women but this has been reduced. The pandemic has aggravated cases of malnutrition and deaths due to hunger and we lost, at least, 97 migrants due to hunger forced by the draconian lockdown by the Government. PM advocates „Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas‟ and claims to develop all sections of the society but this is far from truth. When mining operations that displace thousands of tribes, the Government was silent despite protests of the natives. Transgender Act has just added to the troubles of trans people and red-tapism. Additionally, labour codes have excluded trans community in the scope of the Bill. The severe budget cuts in education sector over last five years have led to fewer scholarships options for minority communities. This Government has completely ignored the needs of the healthcare sector. Empty promises of Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana do not cover all medical treatments. India has been ranked 86th in terms of COVID-19 management out of 98 countries. Government continues to boast 3 language policy of National Education Policy despite opposition from the State of Tamil Nadu. Time and again, the Government has ignored the sentiments of citizens of Tamil Nadu. Government is giving verbal assurance on MSP but is not documenting this provision in the Bill. Furthermore, the Government has legalized hoarding by passing a separate law. China has occupied borders in India, and threatening the sovereignty of our country. But the Government instead of retaliating against them are using full force against the farmers of our nation. SHRIMATI ANNPURNA DEVI : The Government is trying to provide pucca houses, road connectivity to all habitations, potable water, LPG, toilet and medical facilities to all. During this period of pandemic, efforts were going on to make the country self-reliant and small and medium entrepreneurs are playing vital role in it. MSME has emerged as lively and progressive arena of Indian economy. MSME helps in increasing national income, ensuring equal distribution of resources, minimize the regional imbalance and industrialization of rural and backward areas. Small and Cottage industry play vital role in social and economic development of the country. It is the largest sector for generating employment opportunities and contributes 29 percent in gross domestic production. 11 crore people are engaged in this sector and it contributes 50 percent in total export of the country. Millions of small entrepreneurs have been benefitted by the Governments efforts like Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme worth 3 lakh crore, special scheme worth Rs.20,000 crore for distressed MSMEs and Fund of Funds. Skill development of millions of craftsmen is being through „Hunar Haat‟ and „Usttad Scheme‟. The Government has taken several steps to provide new opportunities to women for self employment. More than Rs.25 crore has been disbursed as loan under the MUDRA Yojana and 70 percent of it has been given to women entrepreneurs. More than 7 crore women have been connected to almost 66 lakh Self Help Groups through Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana and National Rural Livelihood Mission. During the last six years these have been provided loan worth Rs.3,40,000 crore. The Government has made several provisions including „Faceless Tax Assessment‟ and Appeal facility to encourage entrepreneurship in the country. SHRI : I would like to touch upon few key things that are impacting the nation, specially tribals. The three farm laws are being vehemently opposed by farmers across the country and I would like to highlight the impact of these laws on Adivasis. These laws will violate rights of the other traditional forest dwelling communities in the Fifth Sechedule and tribal areas under the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) and the Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA). These laws will erode the power and authority of Gram Sabhas. The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020 will give full control to private companies over practice and method of farming and sale and purchase of farm produce, including its pricing and marketing. It will lead to alienation of land of vulnerable tribal farmers. The law will result in unequal bargaining between these market forces and farmers with little resources and knowledge about the mechanics of global food chain systems. The Farmers‟ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020 provides for building alternative trading channels. It also provides for giving any person or corporation the right to trade in farm produce and giving anyone with a PAN number to establish e-trading platform. It means deregulation of agricultural market, opening it up to local and global trade chain in food commodities. The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020 provides for the supply of foodstuff, including cereals, pulses, potato, onions, oil seeds and oils, or anything else the Government notifies may be regulated only under extraordinary circumstances. These amendments paralyze Essential Commodities Act, 1955 which was enacted to prevent man-made famines. This allows hoarding through exemption granted to value chain participants and this will lead to artificial price rise through creation of artificial shortages. This will lead to food insecurity and dismantling of the Public Distribution System in the country. The inflationary effect of amendments to the Essential Commodities Act will amount to violation of the right to food of the impoverished. The farm laws violate the fundamental rights of the Adivasis and forest dwelling communities. They also violate special protection provided under Article 244, the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India and special laws, like PESA and FRA. It includes dilution of the powers of Gram Sabhas. It will be unable to prevent alienation of tribal lands or exercise control over money lending. This will lead to dismantling of the control of Gram Sabha over poverty reduction schemes and will reduce the power of Gram Sabha to manage local village markets and Haats. The farm laws will result in erosion of Gram Sabhas when it comes to governance in Scheduled Areas. Introduction of contract farming, new forms of money lending by large agri- business and commercialization of agricultural production will lead to unravelling the tenurial security FRA has introduced for forest dwelling communities. Their nistar rights and grazing rights will be eroded. I demand the repeal of these three farm laws and I demand the Governor, in exercise of power under Para 5 of the Fifth Schedule, to prohibit application of these three farm laws to Scheduled Areas of their respective States. Effective enforcement of PESA by strengthening the control of Gram Sabhas over local rural Haats and pricing of agricultural produce should be done. Guaranteed Government procurement should be done and MSP of farm produce and MFPs should be provided. Niyamgiri judgement relating to Gram Sabha consent for development activities in forest lands should be implemented strictly. Guaranteed tenurial security should be given under FRA. There is no mention in the Address about the need for establishment of Government Medical College at Rayagada in Odisha and about the need to include Jhodia community in the list of Scheduled Tribes. There is no mention about the delay in completion of Gunupur-Therubali Railway Line Project via Padmapur, Bissam and Cuttack, construction Rail-cum-Road Bridge over Kolab Reservoir between Suku and Koraput, construction of Rayagada, Koraput and Jeypore bypasses on National Highways 326 and 26, the establishment of High Court Bench in Koraput District and approval of Rural/Tribal Tourist Circuits under Swadesh Darshan Scheme for Rayagada and Koraput Districts. SHRI N.K. PREMACHANDRAN: The Presidential Address of 2021 is deeply disappointing because there is no mention of policies or initiatives in the Address. It is mere claims of the achievements of the Government during the last six years. Nothing has been mentioned about unemployment, economic recession, and external aggression by the neighbouring countries affecting the territorial sovereignty of our country, threat to the secular fabric of the country and the growing intolerance. In 2014, India‟s global ranking with respect to Democratic Norms was at 27th position which has come down to 53rd position in 2020, as India‟s democratic score fell from a peak of 7.9 in 2014 to 6.61 in 2020 due to democratic backsliding and the crackdown in civil liberties. Today country is facing movement of the farmers. Corporatisation of agriculture is taking place through the three Bills supporting neo-liberal economic policies benefiting the corporate and rich class. I express my solidarity with the fighting farmers for their survival and against the repressive laws of the Government. Citizenship Amendment Act, repeal of Article 370 and the three farm laws, by the Government has got wider criticism amongst the international for a especially from the intelligentia. The Government has to accept the popular sentiments of the people of this country. Inclusive governance involves consultative process but the Government is not taking the Opposition parties and Parliament into confidence. The Government is ready and willing to freeze the law for one and a half years. But not ready to withdraw the Bill. I urge upon the Government to resolve this issue and repeal all the three Bills and facilitate threadbare discussion on agricultural reforms in the Parliament and with the organizations of the farmers. SHRI BHAGWANT MANN: The farmers' agitation is no longer an issue limited to Punjab or Haryana only. It has become a mass movement now. The descendants of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur are being dubbed traitors. Some misguided youth came to Red Fort during the protests on 26.1.2021. The police are arresting them and filing cases against them. These three agriculture laws pertaining to farmers may please be taken back. Hold discussions. But eleven rounds of talks have been fruitless. The farmers are protesting at Singhu border and Tikri border of Delhi. The government thinks that they would go away due to biting cold and inclement weather. Government is using barbed wires to make the protesting farmers afraid. You are sadly mistaken. SHRI P. C. MOHAN: The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the resilience of India to the world. Today, India is undertaking the world‟s largest vaccine drive with ambition to vaccinate 30 crore people in the next few months. India has gifted vaccines to our neighbouring countries. India is also playing a significant role in making the world COVID-free by supplying vaccines to nearly 200 countries. With Atmanirbhar Bharat, our Prime Minister has given the country a new direction and vision for India to emerge stronger in the post- COVID world. India has to attain self-reliance in defence production as it will not

 Original in Punjabi. just make India safer but also prosperous. The Cabinet Committee on Security approved a defence procurement deal worth Rs. 48,000 crore for the LCA Tejas aircraft. The LCA Tejas is going to be the backbone for IAF fighter fleet in the years to come. At present, the indigenous content of LCA Tejas is 50 per cent and it will be enhanced to 60 per cent. HAL has already set up second-line manufacturing facilities at its Nasik and Bengaluru Divisions to manufacture the light combat aircraft. The in-house development of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) will give major boost to the modernisation programme of our defence services. The Company has long experience in design and manufacturing of a diversified range of aircraft and their systems. SHRI RAVNEET SINGH: 267 MPs in the Parliament have mentioned agriculture as their main occupation. We will come to know in this Session who are the MPs who will express their solidarity with the protests of farmers. I urge all the farmer MPs to unite for this cause. I urge upon the people of constituencies of all farmer MPs to persuade and pressurise all such farmer MPs to join the protests of farmers. Protests should be held in a democratic way. There should be no violence. There were 9035 mandis in Bihar when APMC Act was in force there. But, after implementation of this Act there, only 1619 mandis remain now. Earlier, agricultural growth rate was 1.98 per cent in Bihar which has fallen to 1.28 per cent now. We are saying that if there will be private players then the Government should fix the MSP with legal guarantee. The traders can hoard any quantity without any check on them. ADV. AJAY BHATT: We are all sad today due to devastation caused by glacier burst in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Rescue operation is being carried out by NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, Army and Police personnel. The Government has been working continuously for the last 6 years for welfare of villages, poor, farmers and common man of this country with the basic spirit of "Sarvajan Hitay, Sarvajan Sukhay". The entire world has praised India for it strategy to deal with

 Original in Punjabi. COVID-19. During the COVID pandemic our teachers adopted new technology quickly to ensure that education of students may be continued. 5 kg foodgrain per month was provided to 80 crore people for 8 months under the "Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana". The country has developed two COVID vaccines. The vaccine is being demanded by many countries of the world and it has already been delivered to some countries. Today the number of medical colleges in the country has increased to 562 from 387. 22 new AIIMS have been given approval under "Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana". The Government proposes to implement almost all the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission to make farmers of the country prosperous and self-reliant. Under the "Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana", 6 lakh 42 thousand kilometers roads have been constructed to provide road connectivity to rural areas. Work is also going on to provide better internet connectivity in rural areas. The micro and small scale industries of the country have been encouraged to make India self- reliant. Emergency Credit Guarantee Scheme worth three lakh crore rupees is being provided to support medium and small entrepreneurs. More than 2.5 crore electricity connections have been provided. I support the President's Address. PROF. ACHYUTANANDA SAMANTA: It gives me great pride to say that Odisha has been one of the most progressive States in terms of keeping the pandemic under control, imposing safety measures, building state-of-the-art hospitals, reaching the people at the margins with welfare programmes and ensuring that the entire population is safe. Odisha has launched several schemes for the benefit of farmers. Odisha has made 50 per cent reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions. It has become the education hub and also the sports capital of India. The State Government is developing Puri Jagannath Temple into a heritage corridor, Lingaraj Temple, Konark Sun Temple and the Samaleswari Temple to boost tourism. We demand special focus for the State of Odisha, like setting up a second AIIMS in Odisha and also a second Central University in Odisha. It is also our demand to convert the old State University, the Utkal University into a Central University. There should be revision of Employees‟ Pension Scheme, 1995. We also request the Centre to accord classical status to Odissi music and should be reduction in GST on tendu leaf from 18 per cent to five per cent. PROF. S.P. SINGH BAGHEL: I would like to express my views on the biggest achievement of this era and the most irresponsible statement of this century. Under the leadership of Modiji our scientists have developed Covid-19 vaccine. However, the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh has made the most irresponsible statement of this century that he will not take Covid-19 vaccine as it is developed during the tenure of BJP Government. The leader leads. If we listen to him, then we will lose this battle. Narendra Modiji understands the pain of the poor, this is the reason why he formulates schemes for the welfare of the poor. Hon. Prime Minister provided free gas connection to 8 crore people under the Ujjwala scheme. Shrimati Gandhi gave the slogan of Garibi Hatao. The banks were nationalized however 41 crore people are still deprived of banking facility. If a poor person dies in a natural calamity, he will get insurance claim of 2 lakh rupees at a premium of 12 rupees per annum. The Government constructed 10 crore toilets at a cost of 12,000 rupees. The Government provided insurance cover of 5 lakh rupees to the people. SHRI VIJAY KUMAR HANSDAK : I would like to draw the attention of the Government towards the farmers agitation and urge upon to leap forward to resolve the issue. During the COVID-19, the entire country united with the Government and world as well to fight against it which was certainly commendable. The Government should help those who have been rendered jobless during the COVID-19 in the manner in which the Jharkhand State Government is going to work out to provide employment to those who have been rendered jobless after the winding up of the 14th Finance Commission. I would like to know from the Government whether it is selling its institutions to boost the economy? Whether these institutions will provide jobs for SCs/STs and OBCs or forest dwellers? Will there be reservation in the Government institutions which are being privatized? If not, then it should be understood that the fabric of our Constitution is being attacked not directly but indirectly. The Government is not working to create competition between the public and the private sector, but handing over the entire public sector institutions into the private hands. People are not getting jobs in any institution and unemployment is a very burning issue. The Government should pay its attention towards the state of the economy and GDP today. The way Government is privatizing all the PSUs and institutions will ruin the country. Efforts should be made to save the country from destruction. SHRIMATI : This government is inherited historical problems. Prime Minister Modi ji's government is engaged in trying to solve the inherited historical problems and on the other hand it has been facing challenges with a sense of responsibility and a strong will. If you ask me the biggest achievement in these six years including the achievement of our Prime Minister and his team, then I would say that is the management of COVID-19. If you go through the report of Economic Survey, you will find that due to the policy and leadership of this government, about one lakh people have survived and 37 lakh people have been prevented from this infection. Through the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana eighty crore people were ensured five kilo of extra food grains for eight months. I belong to poorest state of Odisha. Eight lakhs migrant labourers left-out the State. 244 trains were managed to bring them back. For this I would like to thank the Hon'ble Prime Minister on behalf of the people o the Odisha. SHRI ARVIND SAWANT: The hon. President, in his address, mentioned about the incident that took place on 26th of January. What makes me sad is that in this protest, around 200 farmers died but it is not mentioned anywhere in the Address. I hold the Government responsible for the death of those farmers. The hon. Prime Minister should hold talks with the farmers only then this problem can be solved. The Government talks about the self reliance of the farmers. However 80% of our farmers own less than 2 hectares of land. Even today the farmers are apprehensive about the laws. If the Government will determine the MSP then why there is no provision in the laws. Today our BSNL/MTNL services have already reached villages, instead of supporting them, the Government handed over these services to corporates. Had the Government given this work to BSNL/MTNL then the work would have been completed in a short time and both companies would have been benefited financially. However, there is no mention about the steps taken to make BSNL/MTNL competent. During corona, 30 to 40% of MSMEs faced closure and lakhs of people became unemployed. But there is no mention in the President‟s Address as to what steps the Government have taken for these unemployed people instead it gave permission to sell those public sectors which were providing employment to the people. On the one hand, the Government says that there will be no written examination for Group „C‟ and Group „D‟ categories however there are no jobs. Recently all the employees of Income Tax, Mint were recruited from outside the Maharashtra. Is it fair or just? Recruitment through Staff Selection Commission should also be made within the state. Three new laws were brought for the labourers, workers, employees but unfortunately the provision of job security was removed. There is a reference regarding removal of Article 370 in the President‟s Address. But till date Kashmiri Pandits have not been able to settle there. The dignity of the officers of Judiciary and Executive should be maintained. Marathi speaking regions like Belgaum etc. of Karnataka State should be given the status of . There are many castes in our country. To ensure that no caste remains deprived, a provision of reservation has been made in education and jobs. But even today Dhangar community is still deprived of reservation and other facilities. Similarly, in Maharashtra the Maratha Communtiy still remains backward due to lack of economic development. Therefore, our demand to the Union Government is that the percentage of reservation should be increased to 70% or more and the states should be given powers to make provision regarding reservation for the backward classes and those communities which are deprived even today. We have to make this amendment in our Constitution. Even such a big issue is not mentioned in the President‟s Address. DR. SHAFIQUR RAHMAN BARQ: Our Samajvadi Party is with the farmers and presently this country is struggling and it is in sympathy with the farmers. The government should withdraw the three Acts that have been passed against the farmers, only then there can be peace and brotherhood in the country. DR. THOL THIRUMAVALAVAN: Hon. President's Address has made no mention about the working class or the problems faced everyday by the country or the laws of the government providing solution to such problems. On the contrary, this Address is just like a political campaign with lots of praises for the ruling Party. Farmers' protests are being held for the last two and half months along the borders of Delhi. Our Hon. Prime Minister has made his observations about theses protestors which are demeaning. He called them as "Andolan Jeevi". I strongly condemn the act of demeaning the protestors by Hon. Prime Minister Respecting the sentiments of the people, the Government should take back or withdraw these three farm laws. I also urge that a law should be enacted so as to ensure Minimum Support Price. The Government of Srilanka has recently accorded permission to the Chinese Government for setting up of power generation projects in islands like Neduntheevu, Nainatheevu and Analaitheevu. I urge that the Indian Government should work towards stopping the grant of permission by the Government of Srilanka as regards the power projects in these islands around Indian sub-continent. I urge upon the Indian Government that it should raise at the UNHRC meeting, the issues relating to judicial action against the perpetrators of war crimes and genocide in Srilanka. DR. BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR: We have started the world's biggest vaccination programme in the country during global pandemic crisis and made available these two vaccines to other nations as well. The goal of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' will further strengthen by making agriculture sector self reliant. The Government has made positive reforms in agriculture sector. The Parliament has passed three Farm Bills presented by the Government. The priority of the Government is to improve standard of living in rural India and, therefore, it has implemented 'Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana', 'SVAMITVA Yojana', 'Deen Dayal Antodya Yojana' and 'National Rural Livelihood Mission'. The women entrepreneurs have important role in making India self-reliant. The Government has formulated a National Education Policy and launched digital programme in the country. The Government has subsumed 21 Central labour laws under four labour codes. The country is being engaged in developmental works under Atmanirbhar Bharat. The Government gives top priority to integrity and security of the country. The Government takes strict action against cross border attacks and against internal violence as well. We fought against Corona last year and with same energy we have to achieve new goals of the present year. DR. D. RAVIKUMAR: There is a feeling in the minds of the people that since Shri Mehnad Saha was from the Dalit community, he was totally ignored. I therefore urge that Shri Mehnad Saha, a great scientist of this country should be conferred the Bharat Ratna Award. Unit cost should be increased to a minimum of Rs 3 Lakh under PMAY. Union Government should come forward to use 3D technology in the construction of houses under PMAY. Government should accept the long pending demands of including Tulu in the Eight Schedule of the Constitution. The recommendations of Sitakant Mohapatra Committee should be implemented by this Government. I request to set up a Sainik School in my Viluppuram constituency. Ekalavya School, for the benefit of tribal students, should be set up in Viluppuram constituency which has a sizeable population of Scheduled Tribes. I urge upon the Union Government to appoint more number of nurses in JIPMER, Puducherry with adequate allocation of funds. SHRI S. VENKATESAN: Hon. President has stated that we were able to save lives of lakhs of our countrymen due to the timely and calibrated decisions taken by the Government. Lowy Institute of Australia has recently issued a ranking list of countries for successful and efficient handling of Coronavirus pandemic, on the basis of available data. India is placed at 86th position in that list. I want to ask whether hon. President is aware of this ranking or not? Farmers are agitating in this country. But the hon. Prime Minister is insulting the agitating farmers calling them as those who survive on protests. It is a matter of pain and anguish. Presidential pardon should be given to 7 convicts including Perarivaalan. SHRI KARTI P. CHIDAMBARAM: In the last week's Address of the President, I am more concerned about what was not said than what was. What was said could be found in any Government's publication or any Party stump speech. Unfortunately, this year's Presidential Address was simply a mundane exercise in rehashing an old slew of standard Government talking points. In this long speech, the hon. President was unable to find the time to discuss the issues of grave public concern. There was not one soothing word for our brothers who are protesting against the three black laws. Our response to the COVID-19 pandemic which the Presidential Address celebrated is the worst in the world. We are ranked 86 out of 98 countries' survey. I hope the Government will respond to this survey findings. Our own National Family Health Survey data shows dangerous hike in stunting and anemia among women and children. We have a chronic malnutrition crisis. Does the Government have any response to this abysmal record? The human rights watchdogs have raised alarms about the state of this country. A true address would have mentioned this. DR. BEESETTI VENKATA SATYAVATHI: We are very happy that the Central Government could control the COVID pandemic quickly by making the vaccine available and giving it to all frontline warriors. But I want to bring two points to the notice of this august House. The Indian Medical Association is agitating throughout the country on one aspect that they are allowing other fields of medical people like homoeopathy doctors and other faculty people who are trained in 75 different surgeries. This should be stopped. The second point that I would like to mention is about disinvestment of various institutions by the Central Government. I hail from the Vishakhapatnam district. We have the prestigious Vishakhapatnam Steel Plant, RINL. Thousands of people are agitating in my constituency and in the Vishakhapatnam district because of the proposed disinvestment of this steel plant. Its development should be put off and its financial restructuring should be done to ensure its revival. THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE (SHRI KAILASH CHOUDHARY): Hon'ble President's Address mirrors the concerns of rural areas, the poor, the farmers, the youth, the labourers, senior citizens and every section of the society. Last year was entirely consumed by Corona disease. The entire world was affected by this pandemic. During this period our Government and the Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi took timely and appropriate decisions. The lockdown was announced at the most opportune time and the decision taken under the leadership of Hon. Prime Minister saved thousands of lives. I would like to thank the Corona warriors for the works performed by them. Our Government worked in such a way during the Corona period that the farmers never faced any problem. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana facilitated the construction of houses for every poor household. Today, gas connections have been provided in approximately 10 crore households under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala Gas Yojana. Along with this our government has also launched 'Jal Jeevan Mission'. We have also provided water in every household under 'Har Ghar Jal Yojana'. Today, free of cost treatment up to Rs. 5 lakh rupees is being provided under 'Ayushman Bharat Yojana' under the leadership of Hon. Prime Minister. The Budget allocation for agriculture sector during the year 2014 was approximately 22 thousand crore rupees which has been increased by 6 times to Rs. 1 lakh 24 thousand rupees under the Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana. Rupees 75 thousand crore have directly been transferred into the account of farmers. We have procured crops worth rupees 25 thousand crore at MSP from the year 2015-2021. Rupees 15 lakh crore are transferred into the accounts of farmers through Kisan credit cards. Rupees 1 lakh crore would be spent on agriculture infrastructure for farmers in near future. Earlier, approximately 655 e-nam mandis existed which have been increased to 1000 during the Corona period. Through this Budget we would be linking 1000 more mandis in the form of e-nam the benefit of which will accrue to the market. Now, as per the agriculture laws the farmers would be able to sell their produce to any person and place of their choice. This provision has been made under this law. The farmers will not have to pay any tax. The farmers are being misled on the Bill seeking to provide for Contract Farming that he would lose his land. Several provisions have been made under the law to protect the interests of farmers and safeguard their ownership rights. I would simply like to know as to which provision under this law needs to be amended? DR. AMAR SINGH: The history of Punjab and Sikhs proves that ever since the time of our tenth Guru Gobind Singh ji, our religion is the most patriotic religion in the country. Our population is hardly 2% of the total population of India. However, we contribute 8 to 10% soldiers in the army. Martyrs draped in tricolor continue to come back home in Punjab after every few days. We should condemn those who question the patriotism of Sikhs. The hon. Minister says that these are very good agriculture laws. Then, why are the farmers not believing you? 86% are small and marginal farmers. The Government should provide relief to them. Take back the faulty laws and protesting farmers will return to their homes. DR. ARVIND KUMAR SHARMA: The government led by Modi ji is the government of the farmers, labourers landless labourers, dalits, backwards, youth, employees, traders, aged people and women. By providing ten percent reservation to general category on economic ground the Prime minister has shown that the central Government is marching ahead with the idea of 'sabka saath, sabka vikas and sabka vishwas'. The government has formulated serveral schemes for the farmers. The country saw when the entire world found itself helpless during outbreak of covid-19 pandemic how our Prime Minister Modi ji managed the affairs of the country. Our friends in opposition alleged that imposing lockdown was a wrong decision. But I would like to say that during lockdown rapid steps were taken to make India self-reliant. Corona vaccine was developed under the leadership of Prime Minister. Last year natural calamities hit many states which were dealt with aptly by the union Government. Rs. 16394 crore have been given to 8 crore and 19 lakh farmers under 'Kisan Samman Nidhi'. In order to improve the plight of the farmers 18000 crore rupees have been directly credited into the bank accounts of the farmers. This Government is paying special attention towards the farmers, the poor and landless labourers. Farm Laws are a good and important step to double the farmers' income. I on my own behalf and on behalf of my colleagues thank the Government for starting the construction of new building for Parliament. SHRI HAJI FAZLUR REHMAN : Instead of keeping the promise of doubling the farmers' income the government has reduced Rs 10000 crore of the Kisan Samman Nidhi in the last budget. The Agricultural laws were framed for farmers against which the farmers are protesting on dharna around Delhi for last two and half months. They are demanding that these laws should be withdrawn and an MSP law should be formulated for implementation this law is against poor people. There are provisions in the law to provide benefit to big companies. They can keep unlimited stock under the law but it has not been specified that it in the market at which rate they will sell this stock to poor people. The tricolour flag was dishonoured at the Red fort to defame the farmers and the person who did that had good relations with the BJP MP of Punjab to stop the farmers from entering Delhi spikes were installed on the roads and ditches were dug up. After strong censure these spikes were removed. In UP sugarcane farmers are not getting the payment in time. BSP government had paid interest on the payment of farmers. In the current budget Rs 218 crore have been reduced as compared to last budget for minority community. ADV. DEAN KURIAKOSE: The President‟s Address was an exercise to mask the anti-people policies of this Government. Recently, this august House has passed three black laws due to which the life of farmers will become more miserable. It is not only the farmers of this country, but also the entire nation has demanded the immediate withdrawal of these black laws. The ongoing farmers strike will become a new history of our nation. The arguments put by the Government in support of these bills show the Government‟s objective to promote the corporate sector by destroying the rights of the States and farmers. The Government has failed to convince farmers as well as international community about the relevance of these farm laws and their benefits for the poor farmers. I strongly demand the withdrawal of these three anti-farmers laws immediately. The Ministry of Environment and Forests are issuing continuous notifications for fixing the buffer zones adjacent to the wildlife sanctuaries. Very recently in Kerala, 15 notifications were issued. In my constituency, four notifications were issued. About Mattikettan Shola National Park, final notification was issued. The main interesting thing is that the Mattikettan Shola National Park boundaries are shared with Tamil Nadu also. On the side of Tamil Nadu, the buffer zone was limited to zero but on the side of Kerala, the boundary limit was 1.5 k. I urge upon the The Ministry of Environment and Forests to address this issue by withdrawing the final notification. The Other issue is related to the tea workers. Kerala State is the fourth largest producer of tea. The living conditions of tea workers are very much pathetic. They do not get adequate wages, adequate housing facilities, their children are not getting enough schooling, healthcare facilities and other infrastructure facilities. I urge upon the Government to announce a Special Package for Kerala tea workers as part of an already announced Special Package for Assam and West Bengal. SHRI : The important issue of the country is abrogation of Article 370 which has been an issue of debate across the country during the past one year. After abrogating Article 370 and making Jammu and Kashmir as well as Ladakh a UT, it is the first time in the history of the country that we have got 7,000 crore rupees in Union Budget after combining Leh and Kargil from the year 2019-2020 and from 2020-2021. 5,958 crore rupees have been proposed in this budget during 2021-22. Overall grant of Rs. 13,000 crore rupees in this budget for two districts of Ladakh has been provided by this Government till date. The foundation of development is education. Hon. Modi ji has launched Ladakh University and it is running/functioning today. Two degree colleges have been opened in Ladakh. CIBS has been given status of deemed University. National skill Training Institute has been opened in Ladakh. This Government has facilitated the upgradation of Food Craft Institute Leh to Institute of Hotel Management. A decision to open 20 schools in NCC units has been taken. A decision has been taken to open Engineering college in Kargil. If I talk about health sector, the area of Ladakh is huge. This Government worked for providing health facilities to people through telemedicine and sanctioned a medical college for Ladakh. Ayush Ministry decided to construct National Institute of Sowa Rigpa in Ladakh. If I talk about telecommunications. This Government has worked to set up 54 mobile towers equipped with 4G in the past one year under the Universal Service Obligation Funding. This Government has worked to link villages with internet through V-set. If we talk about air service, the government has granted 480 crore rupees of Leh Airport and decided to upgrade it. It was decided to extend Kargil Airport. Delhi has been linked directly to Kargil and the funding that is sent for commercial flights, it has been said to provide the same from tourism ministry. Likewise, it is being said to fly civilian planes after constructing terminal building on Nubra Thoise Airport. This Government is working on Jojila tunnel to link Kashmir and Ladakh. Work is in progress there despite snowfall at 30 degree Celsius temperature. This Government has worked to connect Leh to Janskar only in eight hours by getting the work of Nimo-Padam-Darcha road in past 3 months which was work that could take 3 years. Work on Shingo-la tunnel, Tanglang-la tunnel and Lachulung-la tunnel has been done. 27250 kilometer worth work was done in Aksai China in 1962 during Congress‟s reign, Ziya Panganak and Chebji valley, Korsjog, 250 kilometer long length work in Chumur area was done under UPA Government in 2008. Jorawar fort in Demjok was dismantled by PLA, China and till 2012, it constructed an observing point there. Similarly, China occupied Ancient Trade point in Dumchele during 2008-09. When there was Dr. Farukh Abdullah‟s Government, he was enjoying Article 370 and never let the Gujjar- Bakarwal society which is 100 percent muslim was not allowed to flourish. Union Government conducted DDC election after removal of 370 and gave political reservation to Gujjar-Bakarwal people and uplifted the down-trodden muslim community. More than 40,000 panches and sarpanches have been elected, more than 3,000 block development council Chairman are elected and more than 280 DDC members were elected there and in all of these elections, no bullet was fired, no one was killed. SHRI ABDUL KHALEQUE: Brahmaputra is the lifeline of Assam and North-Eastern India. It has tributaries. It causes flood every year. We co-exist with the flood. But there are lots of problems created by soil erosion before and after the flood. The Government should have a policy to control soil erosion. Various areas of Bamun Dongra, Baghbore and Jogighopa are affected by soil erosion. The scheme to control soil erosion caused by Beki and Brahmaputra should be passed. There is erosion by Aie and Manas in Bongaigaon district of North Salmara division. There is a great protest of Citizenship Amendment Act held in Assam. Minorities are persecuted in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan. We are always in favour of their protection. All the organisations and the political parties agreed to provide protection to those migrated before the year 1971 and those who came after the year 1971 will be expelled from there. Inner line permit should be enforced in Assam. Express highway should be constructed on either side of the river Brahmaputra. SHRI ANURAG SHARMA: It has passed hundred years between the earlier pandemic and the latest one spread across the world. In these 100 years, there was only one vaccine produced after forty years; and for the latest one (pandemic) the vaccine has been produced within eight months under the leadership of our Hon. Prime Minister. It is a matter of pride that 60 per cent vaccine of the world will be produced within Aatmnirbhar Bharat. The cases of farmers‟ suicide were always reported in Bundelkhand. But when the Modi Government came in power, Kisan Nidhi has been launched for the farmers, they have availed the insurance benefits leading to less suicidal deaths of the farmers in Bundelkhand. Under the leadership of the Congress, there has been misinterpretation of our history and culture due to which today even our children do not feel pride over our history, culture and our forefathers. Bundelkhand is the place where Shaheed Chandershekhar Azad was provided shelter and he led his life as a `Sadhu` at the bank of Satara river in Jhansi. There is an acute scarcity of water in Bundelkhand. But under the „Har Ghar Jal Yojana‟, the amount of Rs. 12 thousand crore has been allocated to Bundelkhand. SHRIMATI SANGEETA AZAD: The children of the farmers, who are being called as traitors and Khalistani are working as the guards lying on the entire borders of the country. A farmer of the country can never be a traitor. Unemployment and inflation have skyrocketed. Not only the poor people but lakhs of people in middle classes have lost their jobs and employment. The Government in its manifesto had promised to provide two crore employments, but it utterly failed in fulfilling the said promise and under the pretext of „Aatmnirbhar Bharat‟ a false assurance has been floated there. SHRI UTTAM KUMAR REDDY: I rise to oppose the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address. In the AP Reorganisation Act, Telangana State was assured of a railway coach factory at Kazipet, a steel factory at Bayyaram and many other issues. The people of Telangana are deeply disappointed with the President's Address. From 2019-2010, the Government is gradually reducing the amount sanctioned for Price Support Scheme. In this year's Budget, the amount allocated to PM-AASHA Scheme, which is to ensure MSP, has been reduced to Rs. 400 crore. Under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, not one farmer in Telangana is covered under crop insurance. Ten insurance companies are exploiting the farmers and the Government since the beginning of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. Till today, the Government has not done any study on doubling of farmer's income. In 2019,public assurance was given on constitution of a Turmeric Board for purchase and marketing of turmeric. But no action has been taken. A new AIIMA was sanctioned by the Government of India for Telangana. But till today, there are only out-patients, but there is no in-patient facility in that hospital. I wish to appeal to the Government that the Government must open a Military History Museum in the memory of Col. Santosh Babu in Suryapet which is his native place. SHRI : I rise to speak on the Motion of Thanks on the Presidential address. Today, India is running the world's biggest vaccination drive. Both of the vaccines of this program are made in India. It is a matter of pride for us. We are helping other nations also to end global Corona pandemic. In Jammu & Kashmir, the hon. Prime Minister has given his support on each step against the fight against Corona. Uniform development is going on in Kashmir and the motto of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' is visible. By conducting the District Development Council elections after 70 years, the Central Government has given rights to the people and opened ways of development. The fund that is being given for the development of Jammu & Kashmir is used specifically for the project it has been allocated. As a mark of respect, every year, six thousand rupees is deposited to the bank accounts of every poor farmer. Farmers are happy with this. After the removal of Article-370, Jammu & Kashmir is moving towards development. The people are getting the rights which had been taken away from them. These steps are taking Jammu & Kashmir towards a better future. SHRI MALOOK NAGAR: To promote online purchase of harvest ENAM Scheme has been launched but how such schemes will reach the ordinary farmer who do not have the access to such technical instruments. The Government needs to work out the problems relating to network and internet services before initiating such schemes. The Government should have announced economic package to help migrant labourers from labour cess or from any other fund. The cultivation cost of sugarcane comes around 350 rupees per quintal. Therefore, the Government should provide the farmer 525 rupees per quintal. The Government should make the sugar mills pay outstanding amount of sugarcane farmers of the country and particularly of Uttar Pradesh. The losses incurred by the farmers of their crops and milk during the lockdown should be compensated.

The Discussion was not concluded

** ** ** **

UTPAL KUMAR SINGH Secretary General

PRICE: Rs. 12.00 © 2021 BY LOK SABHA SECRETARIAT NOTE: It is the verbatim Debate of the Lok Sabha and not the Synopsis that should be considered authoritative.

English and Hindi versions of Synopses of Lok Sabha Debates are also available at http://loksabha.nic.in.